Berberis darwinii   Darwin Barberry

Berberidaceae

From South America (Chile, Patagonia - 'discovered' by Charles Darwin). Now found throughout on every continent except Antarctica. Moderate growth evergreen shrub. Design height is 6 to 8', mature height is 12'. Simple alternately arranged leaves, 1/2 to 1" long, 1/2" wide, dark green and glossy. 5-7 spine-tipped teeth, ovate. Flowers: Dropping racemes, 1/2 to 1". Blooms are orange/yellow, from February to March. Fruits: edible blue showy berries, 1/4 to 1/2" in fall and winter. Prefers full to part sun, moderate to light water, loam and sandy soil. Tolerates drought, heat and poor soil. Propagate by cuttings, seeds, undergrounds runners (rhizomes). Low maintenance, little pruning required, good multi-trunked tree. Can be cut back to 2" above ground in spring. Uses: bird habitat, background, barrier, clipped hedge, informal hedge, specimen. Photos taken at Strybing.