European Barberry
Berberis vulgaris |
Other common names:
Common Barberry
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French names:
Épine-vinette commune
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Family:
Barberry Family (Berberidaceae)
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Group:
Barberries
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Distinctive features:
Shrub; Yellowish wood. Sharp 3-pronged spines. Obovate leaves. Fruits in bunches hanging down.
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Similar species:
Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) - very similar.
American Barberry (Berberis canadensis) - not in Ontario.
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Flowers:
Summer; Yellow; 6 parts (petals); Small, yellow, in drooping clusters.
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Leaves:
Alternate, Simple, Toothed; Obovate leaves. Prominently spiny-toothed.
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Height:
2-3 m (6-9 ft)
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Trunk:
Wood is yellowish inside.
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Fruit/Seeds:
In bunches hanging down.
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Habitat:
Forests, Fields and Open Areas; Roadsides, fields, open areas, woods, thickets.
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Books:
Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 354
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Native/Non-native:
Non-native
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Status:
Common, alien, invasive.
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Notes:
European Barberry is an alien escapee from gardens.
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Origin and Meaning of Names:
Scientific Name: vulgaris: common (Latin)
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Photographs:
55 photographs available, of which 15 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.
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Range Map is at the bottom of the page
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