Berberis vulgaris L.

Glabrous, deciduous shrub to c. 2 m high. Shoots angled. Spines generally 3-partite, < 1.5 cm long on adult shoots. Petiole to 1 cm long; lamina 2–8 × 1–2.5 cm (often some very small lvs on flowering spurs), elliptic to obovate, membranous, dull green above, usually serrulate, sometimes entire; base attenuate; apex obtuse. Fls in racemes to c. 6 cm long at anthesis. Bracts 1–2 mm long, ovate or lanceolate-ovate. Pedicels 5–10 mm long. Perianth segments medium yellow, those of outermost whorl smaller, ovate; innermost sepals c. 5 mm long, obovate; petals c. 5 mm long, obovate,± rounded at apex. Nectaries c. 1 mm long, prominent, orange. Stamens 2–3 mm long. Ovules 2. Stigma sessile. Berry 9–11 mm long, oblong, scarlet or crimson-scarlet, shining.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

Flowering: Oct.–Nov.