Practical
Plants

Berberis wilsoniae

a perennial woody evergreen member of the Berberis genus in the family Berberidaceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Height
1 m
Spread
2 m
Fertility
Self fertile, Insects, Self
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects, Self

Uses

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Fruit raw or cooked. Very acid with a lemon-like flavour, it goes very well in a muesli[K]. Children and some adults like it raw, at least in small quantities, though most adults prefer to cook it and use it in pies, preserves etc[K]. The fruits are about 6mm long[4].

Plant part
Fruit

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

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[6]. It should not be used with Glycyrrhiza species (Liquorice) because this nullifies the effects of the berberine[6]. Berberine has also shown antitumour activity[6].

Product or use
Antibacterial
Product or use
Cancer

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Plants can be grown as a tall ground cover when planted about 60cm apart each way[5]. A yellow dye is obtained from the root.

Product or use
Dye

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Soil surface

Ground cover

Environment

Range
E. Asia - W. China.
Habitat
Not known
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 6+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay, heavy clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerances
high wind
Wind
Yes
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, when it should germinate in late winter or early spring[7]. Seed from over-ripe fruit will take longer to germinate[7], whilst stored seed may require cold stratification and should be sown in a cold frame as early in the year as possible[8]. The seedlings are subject to damping off, so should be kept well ventilated[2]. 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[7].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Prefers a warm moist loamy soil but it is by no means fastidious, succeeding in thin, dry and shallow soils[1][4]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in full sun or light shade[1][4]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus, especially the closely related B. aggregata[1][4]. The true species is seldom seen in cultivation, having been replaced with its hybrid progeny[3]. There are some named forms, selected for their ornamental value[1]. Plants can be pruned back quite severely, they resprout well from the base[4]. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[4].

References

  1. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  2. Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987-00-00 ISBN 0942375009

    ↩

  3. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

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  4. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6

  5. Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-460-12609-1

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  6. Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-917256-20-4

    ↩1↩2↩3

  7. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  8. McMillan-Browse. P. Hardy Woody Plants from Seed. Grower Books 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-901361-21-6

    ↩

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