Common barberry has been known since ancient times. For the first time, they learned about its beneficial properties in Egypt. Since that time, it has been widely used in medicine and cosmetology. In addition, the shrub will become an exquisite decoration for any suburban area. Its beautiful appearance will impress even the most sophisticated gardener. The harvest in the form of delicious berries will be a pleasant bonus.
Description
This plant belongs to the barberry family. Its name Berberis vulgaris (Latin) comes from the Arabic word “beri”, which means “shell”. It is its shape that resembles the leaves of a bush.
The plant grows both in mountainous areas and on plateaus. The thorny shrub branches quite strongly, and is distinguished by a superficial root system (located in the upper layers of the soil). It is interesting to note that the old branches have a gray bark, while the young ones have a yellow-brown color. There are thorns on the shoots. They can be either ordinary or tripartite, in the sinuses of which kidneys are formed.
The varieties differ in the color of the leaves, the shape of the bush and its size. Common barberry can be purple, yellow or red. Due to its decorative properties and thorny “protection”, it is often used as a hedge, which also transforms the site in an advantageous way.
Flowering lasts 1 month. It starts in April. The berries ripen in September-October.
Appearance
Common barberry looks especially beautiful in the spring, summer and autumn seasons. In summer, it resembles a green ball, and in spring it pleases gardeners with a unique flowering and a delicate, slightly sweet aroma. In autumn, foliage changes color from green to a bright red or burgundy hue.
The height of this plant is 1.5-2.5 meters. The rhizome is horizontal lignified. The main root with lateral branches departs from it. The length of the kidneys does not exceed 1 mm.
During the flowering period, the shrub is covered with yellow flowers. Their diameter is 7-9 mm. One brush contains 15-24 flowers at once. Each of them has 6 ovoid petals. At the base of the flower there are bright orange nectaries. In addition, it has 1 pistil and 6 stamens.
After flowering, berries begin to form. They have an oblong-elliptical shape. The length of the fruits reaches 12 cm. Their bright color deserves special attention. Most often they are colored red, but they can also be deep purple. The berries are edible and have an original, slightly sour taste. The weight of 1 fruit is about 4 grams.
Leaves and seeds
It is interesting to note that the leaves develop on shortened shoots, and on the elongated ones instead of them spines up to 2 cm long are formed. The foliage has an elliptical or ovoid shape. Its width is 2 cm, and its length can reach 4 cm. Closer to the base, the leaf begins to taper, forming a rounded edge.
The length of the seeds is 5 mm. They are slightly flattened and tapered at the top. They are used for growing and propagating shrubs.
Where grows
The geographic ranges of the common barberry are located in Western Asia, Transcaucasia, in many European countries, with the exception of the northern part of the continent. The shrub also grows in Russia. Mainly in the forest-steppes of the North Caucasus. Under natural conditions, it can be found on the slopes of ravines, in river valleys, on stony lands and forest edges.
Today, many gardeners grow ordinary barberry on their site, independently creating favorable conditions for it. The plant prefers dry and light places, while it is quite unpretentious in choosing the soil. However, for proper development, it is recommended to plant it in a soil neutral in acidity.
Beneficial features
The chemical elements that make up the berries have a number of useful properties. The fruits have a bactericidal, soothing, anti-inflammatory, tonic, antioxidant effect. This is due to the unique composition of barberry, which includes carotenoids, pectin substances, organic acids, vitamins C, E, K, micro- and macroelements.
Barberry berries have a positive effect on the body:
- purify the blood;
- prevent the onset of hepatitis;
- stop bleeding;
- relieve discomfort during menstruation;
- treat the common cold;
- have a strong choleretic property;
- slow down the aging process;
- relieve inflammation;
- remove toxins;
- prevent the development of malignant tumors.
In addition, the fruits of the shrub have a beneficial effect on the skin, eliminating its minor defects. Barberry hair mask helps to strengthen curls and get rid of dandruff.
Application
Ordinary barberry, due to its medicinal properties, has been widely used. It is used by:
- In pharmacology, anti-inflammatory, choleretic, diuretic, antimicrobial, and antiseptic drugs are created from the berries of this plant.
- In cooking, the fruits have a tart-sour taste, which gives the dishes a special touch. Berries are not only used to make compote and jam, but they are also used as a sauce for fish and meat, as well as added to first courses.
- In folk medicine – even in Ancient Egypt, the plant was used to treat various ailments. Decoctions, teas and solutions for lotions are prepared from it.
- In cosmetology – many well-known manufacturers of cosmetics use the leaves and fruits of barberry for the preparation of creams, masks, shampoos, etc. However, it is possible to prepare beauty “means” from these ingredients at home.
The common barberry is not only useful, but also a beautiful plant. It is especially appreciated by gardeners for its high decorative qualities. Today it is quite often used in landscape design. You can make delicious homemade preparations or medicines from berries and leaves.
