Berberis vulgaris L.

  • Authority

    Gleason, Henry A. & Cronquist, Arthur J. 1991. Manual of vascular plants of northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. lxxv + 910 pp.

  • Family

    Berberidaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Berberis vulgaris L.

  • Description

    Species Description - Freely branched, to 3 m, the twigs gray or yellowish-gray; lvs obovate or obovate-oblong, 2–5 cm, finely spinulose-denticulate, the veinlets prominently reticulate beneath; racemes 3–6 cm, with 10–20 fls on pedicles 5–10 mm; pet entire; fr 1 cm, tart; 2n=28. Native of Europe, formerly much planted and escaped, now largely purposefully exterminated as the alternate host of the common "stem" rust of wheat. May, June.

  • Common Names

    common barberry, European barberry