Red barberry (Mahonia haematocarpa)

Red barberry (Mahonia haematocarpa)
Wikimedia Commons — Stickpen — Public domain

At a glance

Lifecycle
Perennial (hardy)
Exposure
Full sun
Frost limit
−12.2 °C

Cultivation

Unlike most members of this genus, this species requires a dry, perfectly drained position in full sun, a gritty slightly acid soil is best. Plants are only hardy in the milder areas of the country, tolerating temperatures down to about -10°c when fully dormant. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. The flowers are fragrant. A very ornamental plant. This species is very closely related to M. fremontii, being distinguished by the fruit which is blue-black in M. fremontii and red in M. haematocarpa. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Resistant to honey fungus.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. It usually germinates in the spring[K]. 'Green' seed (harvested when the embryo has fully developed but before the seed case has dried) should be sown as soon as it is harvested and germinates within 6 weeks[K]. Stored seed should be sown as soon as possible in late winter or spring. 3 weeks cold stratification will improve its germination, which should take place in 3 - 6 months at 10°c. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer and consider giving them some protection from the cold for their next winter. Division of suckers in spring. Leaf cuttings in the autumn.

Edible uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. It makes an acceptable raw fruit and is especially nice when added to porridges or muesli[K]. Unfortunately, there is relatively little flesh and a lot of seeds[K].

Medicinal uses

Inner wood shavings can be soaked in water to make an eyewash. Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Mahonia species, has marked antibacterial effects.

Material uses

A green dye is obtained from the roots. A green dye is obtained from the leaves. Dark green, violet and dark blue-purple dyes are obtained from the fruit.

Habitat

Slopes and flats in desert shrubland, desert grassland, and dry oak woodland; 900-2300 m; Arizona., California., Colorado., Nevada., New Mexico, Tex.; Mexico.

Native range

South-western N. America - Texas, Colorado, New Mexico and Mexico.

Same genus