Berberis aggregata - C.K.Schneid.

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Summary

Physical Characteristics

 
Berberis aggregata is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1.5 m (5ft) at a medium rate.
It is hardy to zone (UK) 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from Jun to July, and the seeds ripen from Sep to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects, self.The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Synonyms

B. geraldi

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit.
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw or cooked. A fairly acid lemony flavour, it can be eaten in quantity by those who like acid fruits - children seem particularly keen on it[K]. A very reliable cropper, the fruit is borne in abundance along the stems[1, K]. The fruit is about 7mm in diameter[200].

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.

Antibacterial;  Cancer.

Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Berberis species, has marked antibacterial effects. 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].

Other Uses

Dye.

A yellow dye is obtained from the root.

Cultivation details

Prefers a warm moist loamy soil but it is by no means fastidious, succeeding in thin, dry and shallow soils[11, 200]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in full sun or light shade[11, 200]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus, especially the closely related B. wilsonae[1]. The true species is seldom seen in gardens, having been replaced with its hybrid progeny[182]. The seedling 'Sibbertoft Coral' is very closely related to B. aggregata and fruits well in Britain[11]. Plants can be pruned back quite severely and will resprout well from the base[200].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, when it should germinate in late winter or early spring[78]. Seed from over-ripe fruit will take longer to germinate[78], whilst stored seed may require cold stratification and should be sown in a cold frame as early in the year as possible[80]. The seedlings are subject to damping off, so should be kept well ventilated[113]. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame. If growth is sufficient, it can be possible to plant them out into their permanent positions in the autumn, but generally it is best to leave them in the cold frame for the winter and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, preferably with a heel, October/November in a frame[78]. Layering.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Found In

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

Asia, Australia, China*,

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 :

Expert comment

Author

C.K.Schneid.

Botanical References

1167200

Links / References

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