Late Winter Plants: The Barberry Family

Berberidaceae 

This wonderful family of plants has lots of winter interest and many interesting uses. I've been focusing on the genus of Berberis (Barberry) and Mahonia (Oregon Grape) due to their color this time of year.

Berberis sp.

What makes them stand out this time of year?

Berberis darwinii

- Evergreen (mostly all)

- Beautiful small flowers      

- Plethora of foliage colors

Cultural Uses:

Mahonia aquifolium

- High Vitamin C content kept Scury at bay for many native people
- Acne Cure made by the Slaishan native from the bark and root
- Eyedrops use berberine a chemical found in the plant in some brands
- Ailments such as Gout, Fever, Cancer, Hypertention and more are treated sometimes with barberry
- Барбарис is a candy made from Barberries