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Image of butterfly and bird attractor, Berberis darwinii or Darwin's
Barberry coming soon... |
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Berberis darwinii
(Darwin's Barberry) |
Origin: Native to Chile and Argentina
Family: Barberidaceae
Light: Sun/part shade
Height: 6-8'
Spread: 4-6'
Blooms: Exotic, drooping racemes of up to 20 on each flowerhead,
gold-tinged-red, mid-Spring
Foliage: 6-10"
long, evergreen, glossy, prickly margins, holly-like
Fruits: 1/2" blue/purple, waxy edible berries
Soil: Well-drained, rich, sandy, loamy, clayey, mildly
acidic/alkaline, neutral, keep moist
Water: Low
Fertilizer: Liquid fertilizer, monthly
Propagation: Seeds (Requires cold stratification, sow lateWinter),
softwood cuttings (July/August, in a frame; hardwood cuttings with a
heel (October/November, in a frame)
Uses: Ornamental, cut flowers, hedges, wind-breaks, landscaping,
woodland, coastal planting, mass plant
Caution: Tree is spiney - use gloves
Comments: Berberis darwinii or Darwin's Barberry is a rare, small thorny
shrub with a bushy,
dense growth habit. It
is a native of Chile and Argentina. From May to June, ornate racemes drooping golden
blossoms appear amidst dark evergreen leaves, followed later by small,
waxy blue edible berries covering the whole plant. The long lasting
flowers are every florist's delight. Young foliage is red maturing
to dark green. The caterpillars of the Mottled Pug and
other species of the Lepidoptera butterflies feed on the plant.
Butterflies and bees are magnetized by the nectar rich flowers of
Darwin's Barberry
while birds enjoy feasting on
the berries. The berries are loaded with seeds and are rich in
vitamin-C; the throny leaves make it difficult to harvest. The
fully ripe fruits taste delicious when eaten raw; excess fruits
can be made into preserves
and jams.
Berberis darwinii
can be propagated from seeds
or cuttings in their permanent location in the Fall. It thrives
best in well-drained acidic soil, in a sunny or shady location. It
is hardy to -10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Berberis darwinii
is deer resistant and is fast
growing. It spreads by underground runners and can be trimmed back
severely if needed. It tolerates coastal conditions and is excellent
as wind-breaks.
Mass plant as hedges along property line to deter intruders. The
ornamental leaves and golden flowers of
Darwin's Barberry
are very showy. It is a
delightful shrub for the landscape. Various parts of
Darwin's Barberry
has medicinal value and are used orally for various ailments. The
root bark is used as a tonic and the rhizomes has antibacterial
properties and is used for treating dysentry and urinary problems.
Yellow dye is obtained from the bark and root. Interestingly, this plant was discovered by
English naturalist, Charles Darwin (1809-1882),
on his expedition on the famous ship named Beagle.
USDA Hardiness Zones : 6-8 |
