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Berberis vulgaris
Home Plants Berberis vulgaris
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Berberis vulgaris

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Growing on the Ecological Mound, this deciduous shrub is dripping with attractive fruits.

The common barberry (Berberis vulgaris) is a native of Europe, northern Africa and temperate Asia. Although listed as a native species by the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland, it is generally considered to be a non-native species which has become widely naturalised. It can reach 2m in height and has arching, spined stems, finely toothed leaves, racemes of yellow flowers, and clusters of fleshy pendent, coral fruits. The fruits are high in vitamin C, though are generally considered unpalatable. This is an attractive shrub for a medium or large garden. It is a valuable plant for wildlife, being nectar rich and a valuable food source for a range of moth species, including the rare barberry carpet moth and the scarce tissue moth.

 

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