UK Flowers: Herbs, Shrubs, Vines & Trees
UK Flowers

UK Darwin's Barberry

Shrub Icon Cultivated Flower     Edible Symbol 
Image of Darwin's Barberry
Berberis darwinii
Family: Berberidaceae

Flower Properties

Property Value
English Name Darwin's Barberry
Scientific Name Berberis darwinii
MainColor Orange
PlantType Shrub Icon Shrub
Distribution Cultivated Flower Cultivated
Season Found April (Apr - May)
ImageUrl Berberis-002
Photographer DP
Location Found Abbots Langley
Country Found UK
Last Updated 05 September 2026
Photo Quality B

Flower Details

Description

Darwin's Barberry is an evergreen shrub with spiny branches and small, holly-like leaves. It produces vibrant orange-yellow flowers in spring, followed by dark purple berries. The plant is known for its dense, bushy growth and is often used in hedges and borders.

Distribution

Native to southern Chile and Argentina, it has been introduced to various regions, including parts of the UK and New Zealand, where it is sometimes considered invasive.

Medicinal/Other Uses

— No significant medicinal uses.

Edibility Edible Symbol  

Edible - berries can be eaten raw or cooked and are sometimes used in jams and jellies.

Human Toxicity
Non_Toxic

Non Toxic - no known harmful effects on humans.

Pet Toxicity Pet Toxicity

Non Toxic - generally safe for pets, though ingestion of large amounts of berries may cause mild digestive upset.

Active Compounds

Berberine, berbamine, oxyacanthine.

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