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Berberis haematocarpa - (Wooton.)Fedde.

Common Name Mexican Barberry, Red barberry
Family Berberidaceae
USDA hardiness 7-10
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Slopes and flats in desert shrubland, desert grassland, and dry oak woodland; 900-2300 m; Arizona., California., Colorado., Nevada., New Mexico, Tex.; Mexico[266].
Range South-western N. America - Texas, Colorado, New Mexico and Mexico.
Edibility Rating    (3 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Berberis haematocarpa Mexican Barberry, Red barberry


http://www.flickr.com/photos/patrick_dockens/
Berberis haematocarpa Mexican Barberry, Red barberry
http://www.flickr.com/photos/patrick_dockens/

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Berberis haematocarpa is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3.6 m (11ft 10in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Berberis haematocarpa.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[85, 257]. Juicy and acidic[3], it is used mainly for making jams and jellies in N. America[11, 183]. It makes an acceptable raw fruit and is especially nice when added to porridges or muesli[K]. Unfortunately, there is relatively little flesh and a lot of seeds[K].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


Inner wood shavings can be soaked in water to make an eyewash[257]. Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Mahonia species, has marked antibacterial effects[218] and is used as a bitter tonic[213]. Since it is not appreciably absorbed by the body, it is used orally in the treatment of various enteric infections, especially bacterial dysentery[218]. It should not be used with Glycyrrhiza species (Liquorice) because this nullifies the effects of the berberine[218]. Berberine has also shown antitumour activity[218]. The root and root bark are best harvested in the autumn[213].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

A green dye is obtained from the roots[168]. Yellow according to another report[257]. A green dye is obtained from the leaves[168]. Dark green, violet and dark blue-purple dyes are obtained from the fruit[168].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Unlike most members of this genus, this species requires a dry, perfectly drained position in full sun, a gritty slightly acid soil is best[11, 200]. It grows best on a sunny south facing wall in Britain[11, 182] and does well in a hot, dry position[184]. It requires a position sheltered from strong or cold winds[202]. Plants are only hardy in the milder areas of the country, tolerating temperatures down to about -10°c when fully dormant[1]. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. The flowers are fragrant[245]. A very ornamental plant[1], but it does not fruit freely in Britain, the climate is too dull[11]. This species is very closely related to M. fremontii, being distinguished by the fruit which is blue-black in M. fremontii and red in M. haematocarpa[11, 67]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Resistant to honey fungus[88].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse[78]. It usually germinates in the spring[K]. 'Green' seed (harvested when the embryo has fully developed but before the seed case has dried) should be sown as soon as it is harvested and germinates within 6 weeks[K]. Stored seed should be sown as soon as possible in late winter or spring. 3 weeks cold stratification will improve its germination, which should take place in 3 - 6 months at 10°c. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer and consider giving them some protection from the cold for their next winter. Division of suckers in spring[78]. Whilst they can be placed direct into their permanent positions, better results are achieved if they are potted up and placed in a frame until established[11]. Leaf cuttings in the autumn.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Red hollygrape, Holly barberry,

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Australia, Central America, Mexico, North America, USA,

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Author

(Wooton.)Fedde.

Botanical References

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Subject : Berberis haematocarpa  
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