Berberis darwinii

Berberis / Darwin's Barberry

Physical Traits & Growth

Typical max. heightiMaximum height in typical conditions, in metres. Full data also shows maximum achievable height in exceptional conditions.: 3m 37

Max. canopy widthiLikely maximum horizontal width of the canopy, in metres: Bushy, 2.5 to 4m 2

Size of shadowiSize of shadow based on a fully grown tree, categorised as low, medium or high: Low (9 sqm)

Canopy densityiShading intensity of the canopy when in full leaf. Categorised from open to dense.: Dense 6

Leaf emergenceiTime of leaf emergence, categorised as very early, early, late, or evergreen: Evergreen 1

Growth rateiHow quickly the tree grows during establishment. Categorised as low, moderate or high, with very high used in exceptional cases.: Moderate 9

LongevityiExpected lifespan of the tree: Unknown

Management & Systems

Approach to silvicultureiCoppicing and pollarding ability: Can be rejuvenated by heavy pruning 9

Establishment requirementsiCommon requirements to establish the tree: Water during dry spells 14

Management requirementsiCommon long-term management needs such as pruning. Categorised as low, moderate or high.: Minimal or no pruning, trim after flowering 1

Pruning timeiOptimal season for pruning: After flowering, May 2

Berberis darwinii/ Bee Happy Plants & Seeds

Products & Economy

Food productsiCommon food products such as fruits and nuts: Fruits – raw, cooked or preserves 10

Wood productsiCommon wood products, including timber, turnery, and pulp: –

BiomassiCommon biomass products such as fuelwood: –

Speciality productsiOther speciality and niche products: Medicinal uses, dyes 10

Time until market (food)iNumber of years until the tree produces food products: 4 years

Time until market (timber)iNumber of years until the tree produces wood products: –

Ecology & Utility

Nutrient and organic matter accumulationiRough estimate of soil-improving properties, with larger and deeper-rooting trees predicted to have higher value. Categorised as low, moderate or high.: Low – low canopy area

Nitrogen fixationiNitrogen-fixing properties, categorised as yes or no: No

High carbon sequestrationiAll trees sequester carbon, but faster-growing, larger trees generally have higher sequestration potential.:
Short-term (20 years): Very low
Medium-term (40 years): Very low
Long-term (60 years): Very low

Native status in the UKiCategorised as native, long-established, or recent introduction.: Recent introduction (neophyte) – survivor 1

High wildlife valueiMost trees are likely to be of some value to wildlife, but some trees are of generally higher value to various wildlife groups: Likely moderate based on neophyte status balanced against pollinator value

Pollinators

Flowering period (pollinator benefit)iTypical flowering months: Apr-May 1

High pollen and nectar value for pollinatorsiValue of flowers to pollinators: High 7

Susceptibility & Risks

Risk of toxicity to livestockiReported potential toxicity to livestock, categorised as yes or no. Toxicity is complex and often context-specific.: None known

Risks to farming operationsiOther risks such as suckering roots, very large tree size, secondary host for aphids, and flammability: None known

Disease susceptibilityiSusceptibility of the tree (not tree products) to diseases, e.g. fungal and bacterial disease:
Low to moderate
May be susceptible to powdery mildews and sometimes to honey fungus 615

Invertebrate pest susceptibilityiSusceptibility of the tree (not tree products) to invertebrate pests, e.g. aphids and other insects:
Moderate
May be susceptible to aphids and berberis sawfly 6 and berberis seed fly 15

Vertebrate damage susceptibilityiSusceptibility of the tree (not tree products) to vertebrate pests, e.g. squirrels and deer:
Likely low
Berries may be taken by birds 15