European Barberry, a deciduous shrub now naturalized in the US, and is often considered weedy. They fit well in different growing conditions, serve as foundation plantings, and have an upright, columnar growth habit, making them attractive additions to landscaping alongside hydrangeas and boxwoods. These shrubs offer year-round garden interest and are excellent for hassle-free gardening.
European Barberry, scientifically known as Berberis vulgaris and sometimes referred to as Common Barberry, displays leaves from early spring to late fall and yields small, unpleasant-smelling yellow flowers in late spring to early summer. It has serrated oval leaves, clustered in groups of 2 to 5, and its foliage changes from green to orange or red in autumn, its main identification features. While the plant is deer-resistant due to its sharp thorns, it's considered invasive in some regions, and the yellow flowers are toxic to pets, so caution is advised.
