This is an archived copy of this article, recovered after a server failure in January 2022.

Some links may be broken, and editing is disabled. We are working to bring back full functionality.

Uses

Edible uses

Notes

Fruit - cooked. Somewhat bitter[1].

Fruit

Material uses

A yellow dye is obtained from the root.

Unknown part

Dye

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[2]. It should not be used with Glycyrrhiza species (Liquorice) because this nullifies the effects of the berberine[2]. Berberine has also shown antitumour activity[2].

Unknown part

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

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[3]. Seed from over-ripe fruit will take longer to germinate[3], whilst stored seed may require cold stratification and should be sown in a cold frame as early in the year as possible[4]. The seedlings are subject to damping off, so should be kept well ventilated[5]. 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[3].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Berberis ruscifolia. 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[6]. Grows well in heavy clay soils.

We have very little information on this species but it succeeds outdoors at Oxford Botanical Gardens[7] and so should be hardy in many parts of Britain. Plants can be pruned back quite severely, they resprout well from the base[8]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[9].

This species is closely related to B. illicifolia[9].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Berberis ruscifolia. 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 ruscifolia.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Berberis ruscifolia
Genus
Berberis
Family
Berberidaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
?
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    Herbaceous or Woody
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    x meters
    Fertility
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type












    Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found