Berberis x stenophylla
Berberis x stenophylla
Safety & Hazards
All parts of the plant contain the alkaloid berberine - this is most concentrated in the roots, stems and inner bark, and least concentrated in the fruits. In small quantities berberine has a range of effective medicinal applications but, in excess, can cause vomiting, lowered blood pressure, reduced heart rate, lethargy, and other ill-effects. The fruit of most, if not all, members of this genus are more or less edible and can be eaten in quantity since the levels of berberine in the fruit are very low.
Botanical Description
Berberis x stenophylla is an erect, spiny, evergreen shrub, much branched from the base, with stems that arch towards their ends; it can grow up to 3 metres tall[ 11 Title Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Publication Author Bean. W. Publisher Murray Year 1981 ISBN - Description A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures. ]. Often grown as an ornamental in gardens, there are several named forms some of which can be used as hedges or ground cover. The fruits of all the cultivars can be eaten.