Berberidaceae - barberry family

Mount Desert Island is home to 2 species in 1 genus. Click on a link below or scroll down for more information.
   Berberis (2 species)
      Berberis thunbergii - Japanese barberry (occasional [see note 1 at bottom of page])
      Berberis vulgaris - common barberry (uncommon)

Berberis (barberry)
Mount Desert Island's two species of barberry can be distinguished from each other by their armature and leaves. Berberis thunbergii spines are simple (i.e., unbranched), and the leaves are entire. The spines of B. vulgaris are branched, and its leaves are toothed.

Berberis thunbergii (Japanese barberry)
 

Berberis vulgaris (common barberry)
 

Notes:
   1. Frequency designations are from the paper "Vascular flora of the Acadia National Park region, Maine" by Craig W. Greene, Linda L. Gregory, Glen H. Mittelhauser, Sally C. Rooney, and Jill E. Weber, published in the spring 2005 issue (vol. 107, No. 930) of Rhodora: Journal of the New England Botanical Club.
   2. Thank you to Luka Negoita for locating Berberis vulgaris for the Champlain Project.