Uses
Edible uses
Notes
Fruit - raw or cooked. A delicious sub-acid flavour, though there are a lot of seeds to relatively little flesh[K]. Children generally love this fruit, along with some adults, though most adults seem to prefer it cooked in pies, preserves etc[K]. The fruit is not always very freely borne, growing the plants near to B. darwinii (which is one of its parents) seems to increase the yield[K]. The fruits are about 7mm long[1].
Fruit
Material uses
Plants are very tolerant of trimming and can be grown as a medium-size hedge. Their long arching branches look especially nice if the plants are allowed to grow as an untrimmed informal hedge that is very resistant to maritime exposure[2][3]. It succeeds on top of Cornish hedges. The prickles make it impenetrable though it can be invasive.
There are some named varieties of prostrate growth that are suitable for use as a ground cover[4]. 'Corallina' and 'Prostrata' have been especially mentioned[4].
A yellow dye is obtained from the root.Unknown part
Medicinal uses(Warning!)
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[5]. It should not be used with Glycyrrhiza species (Liquorice) because this nullifies the effects of the berberine[5]. Berberine has also shown antitumour activity[5].
Unknown part
Ecology
Ecosystem niche/layer
Ecological Functions
Ground cover
Hedge
Forage
Nothing listed.
Shelter
Nothing listed.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, when it should germinate in late winter or early spring[6]. Seed from over-ripe fruit will take longer to germinate[6], whilst stored seed may require cold stratification and should be sown in a cold frame as early in the year as possible[7]. The seedlings are subject to damping off, so should be kept well ventilated[8]. 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. This plant does not breed true from seed because it is a hybrid species. Most of the seedlings revert back to one of the parents, usually B. darwinii[9].
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[6].
Suckers, removed in late autumn/early winter and planted out in situ or potted up and planted out in late spring[1].Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Berberis x stenophylla. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.
Cultivation
Prefers a warm moist loamy soil and light shade but it is by no means fastidious, succeeding in thin, dry and shallow soils[9][1]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Tolerates maritime exposure[3][1]. Fairly slow growing[3].
Plants are hardy to about -15°c[10]. A very ornamental plant[11], there are many named varieties[12]. Plants sucker freely, forming thickets[12]. A good bee plant[13], the flowers are very fragrant.
Plants can be pruned back quite severely, they resprout well from the base[1].Crops
Problems, pests & diseases
Associations & Interactions
There are no interactions listed for Berberis x stenophylla. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.
Polycultures & Guilds
There are no polycultures listed which include Berberis x stenophylla.
Descendants
Cultivars
Varieties
None listed.
Subspecies
None listed.
Full Data
This table shows all the data stored for this plant.
Taxonomy
Binomial name
Berberis x stenophylla
Genus
Berberis
Family
Berberidaceae
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Environment
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
References
- ? 1.01.11.21.31.41.51.6 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
- ? 2.02.1 Shepherd. F.W. Hedges and Screens. Royal Horticultural Society. ISBN 0900629649 (1974-00-00)
- ? 3.03.13.23.3 Rosewarne experimental horticultural station. Shelter Trees and Hedges. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1984-00-00)
- ? 4.04.14.2 Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons ISBN 0-460-12609-1 (1990-00-00)
- ? 5.05.15.25.3 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
- ? 6.06.16.2 Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co (1948-00-00)
- ? McMillan-Browse. P. Hardy Woody Plants from Seed. Grower Books ISBN 0-901361-21-6 (1985-00-00)
- ? Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press ISBN 0942375009 (1987-00-00)
- ? 9.09.19.2 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
- ? Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30258-2 (1989-00-00)
- ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
- ? 12.012.1 Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray ISBN 0-7195-5043-2 (1992-00-00)
- ? International Bee Research Association. Garden Plants Valuable to Bees. International Bee Research Association. (1981-00-00)
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