Barberries impress with the best growth characteristics that we want from representative hedge plants. Dark green foliage, bright yellow flowers and undemanding frugality characterize barberry species. The strong thorns are sometimes considered a nuisance. Find out here whether there is a barberry without thorns.
Is there a barberry without thorns?
All barberry species have thorns; there is no thornless variant. However, Mahonias (Mahonia), a barberry family, are thornless plants that are very similar to barberries and also have yellow flowers.
Is there a barberry without thorns?
All barberry species arearmored with thorns. A barberry profile highlights the thorns, which are up to 5 cm long, as a special feature. For these reasons, barberry is also aptly calledorganic barbed wire:
- The threatening thorns of sour thorn (Berberis vulgaris) or blood barberry (Berberis thunbergii atropurpurea) are highly valued by birds as protection against predators.
- Hobby gardeners in Germany plant thorny large-leaved barberries (Berberis julianae) as an enclosure hedge and insurmountable bulwark against intruders.
- Dwarf barberry 'Nana' is useful as a decorative hedge plant and thorny barrier for uninvited cats or dogs.
Tip
Mahonies are barberries without thorns
Mahonias (Mahonia) look very similar to barberries. The evergreen trees belong to the barberry family (Berberidaceae), boast bright yellow flowers and thrive without thorns. In Germany the flowering period extends from the beginning of March to the end of June. A lush nectar and pollen content makes the thornless Mahonia a swarming bee pasture for beds and containers.
