Barberry, belonging to the genus Berberis, is a popular ornamental shrub widely used in landscaping for its vibrant foliage and low maintenance requirements. The vast majority of commonly cultivated varieties possess sharp spines. These physical defenses are an inherent characteristic that helps the plant survive in the wild. While their colorful leaves make them attractive additions to a garden, their thorny nature is an important factor to consider when planting or handling them.
The Anatomy of Barberry Thorns
The sharp structures on a barberry are botanically known as spines, not true thorns. Spines are modified leaves derived from leaf tissue, whereas true thorns are modified stems. These spines are located at the nodes, the points on the stem where the normal foliage leaves emerge.
The spines are vascularized, meaning they contain the plant’s internal transport tissues. In many species, such as the common European barberry (Berberis vulgaris), the spines often appear in sets of three, though some varieties feature single spines. This modification acts as a highly effective defense mechanism against browsing herbivores like deer and rabbits.
Identifying Thorny and Low-Thorn Varieties
The level of thorniness varies significantly across the approximately 500 species and numerous cultivars within the Berberis genus. Highly thorny varieties, such as the common barberry (Berberis vulgaris) and traditional Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) cultivars, have prominent, sharp spines measuring up to 2 centimeters long. These species are often chosen for security hedges because of their dense, armed stems.
Plant breeders have developed ornamental cultivars with a reduced or less aggressive spine structure to make them more garden-friendly. Examples include specific cultivars like ‘Concorde’ or ‘Crimson Pygmy’, which are prized for their compact size and rich foliage color. While not entirely thornless, these newer varieties have spines that are generally much smaller and less dense than those found on the wild types.
Safe Handling and Landscape Placement
Safe Handling
Given the sharp nature of barberry spines, appropriate protective gear is necessary when pruning or handling the shrubs. Thick leather gardening gloves and long-sleeved shirts should be worn to prevent the spines from puncturing the skin. When pruning, use clean, sharp tools to make precise cuts and reduce the need for excessive handling of the branches.
Landscape Placement
Strategic placement in the landscape is a practical consideration for maximizing the plant’s beauty while minimizing risk. Barberry should be planted away from high-traffic areas, such as sidewalks, doorways, or children’s play areas, where accidental contact is likely. They function well as barrier hedges or foundation plantings where their defensive nature and vibrant color can be appreciated from a distance.