Common Name(s)	Barberry
Latin Name	Berberis
Description	A shrub which can grow to about 3 metres (10 feet) tall. The leaves are glossy and green, similar in shape to holly, turning a reddish shade in autumn. Beneath each cluster of leaves is a group of spines which are quite sharp. The flowers are yellow varying to orange or red in cultivated varieties which grow in small clusters. Orange or reddish berries appear in late summer.
Hazards	The berries of wild barberry are not poisonous, but some cultivated varieties can cause mild poisoning. The spines are very sharp and if handling much care should be taken.
Effects	Vomiting and diarrhoea can occur even if handling the wood stems.
Flowering Period	Late spring/summer. Berries appearing in late summer.
Location	Hedgerows or scrubland. Gardens for the cultivated varieties.