Barberry

barberry a shrub of the genus Berberis, of which many species grow wild throughout the temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and America. A closely related genus, Mahonia, familiar in western countries as an ornamental garden shrub, also has a wide distribution. Some shrubs which were formerly thought of as true barberries have now been reassigned to Mahonia.

All these species bear berries which are edible but sour. Berberis berries are generally red, varying from coral to deep crimson, almost black. B. vulgaris, the common barberry of Europe and Asia, has elongated, bright red berries which hang in clusters.