Berberis canadensis more commonly known as the American Barberry is part of the berberidaceae family. Recently the genus, has come to incorporate members of a closely related genus, Mahonia. This combination of genera makes Berberis canadensis one of 18 species, in the Berberis genus, native to the United States. However 'Berberis canadensis is the only true Berberis indigenous to the US. Berberis canadensis gets its name from barberry, which was a common genus of plants in Europe containing berries, and Canadensis, or Canadian, which many botanists called any plants growing in northeastern North America.^[1]

Morphology

B. canadensis

Berberis canadensis is a deciduous shrub, which grows, on average 1 meter in height. However the plant may grow anywhere from 0.4 meters to over 2 meteres. Each plant usually covers a large surface area when growing due to its use of adventitious roots known as rhizomes. rhizomes enable the plant to absorb more nutrients from the soil. this is necessary due to dry environments B. canadensis grow in. Stems of Berberis canadensis are hairless, not extensively branched, and range in color from green, purple, red, to brown. Stems also grow in a dimorphic fashion.^[2] The leaves on the shrub are arranged in an alternate pattern with petioles 8 mm in length and covered in a white waxy coating known as glaucose.^[3] In addition, leaves are thin and smooth and ovate in structure. Underneath the leaves, a random venation pattern can be observed.

Distribution

Berberis canadensis tends to grow the best in “rocky woods” and on rocky slopes making it a mountain species. B. canadensis has been recorded to grow on the east cost of the United States as north as Pennsylvania and as south as Georgia. In addition traces of the plant were found as west as Missouri in concise populations.^[4] In total B. canadensis grows indigenous in 13 of the 50 states. The species only grow in the United States, and primarily thrives on the hillsides. The species used to be a lot more prevalent in the past, however due to its connection with wheat rust, the United States government has slowly been eradicating the species. It seems that the species has reached an equilibrium with the environment, thus indicating no further expansion of the plant. Unlike most plants whose growth is restricted by weather, B. canadensis is primarily restricted by soil composition and habitat openness.^[5]

B. canadensis worldwide distribution

Habitat and Ecology

Berberis canadensis Usually grows in many diverse open environments. They can be found in dry woodlands or on exposed hillside. The specie grows in different soils types as well, ranging from basic to slightly acidic and extremely shallow in depth. The soil is well drain with occasional moisture obtain from seasonal rainfall. B. canadensis are perennial plants, indicating that they live for over two years, and are associated with a number of plants that grow in their habitat.^[6]

Flowers and fruit

Flowers of Berberis canadensis are arranged in a raceme fashion. they are usually 2–5 cm in length and have six petals. The petals are cupped shaped and notched at the tips.^[7] In addition, flowers are set in a double row pattern, with one petal sitting on top of another. They range in color from yellow to a dull whitish yellow with a bright green stigma protruding out of the middle. The stamen responds to physical stimuli and bends towards the stigma when a stimulus is present.^[8]

Berberis canadensis also produces small, bright red berries that are edible. Berries are oblong in shape and have a high acid content. This gives the fleshy berries a tart-like taste that is appealing to consume.^[9]

Uses

Food

The fruit of Berberis candensis are used extensively in many foods. Historically it has been known as a major source of nutrition for the indigenous people of southwestern United States, due to richness in vitamin C. The juicy red berries of the plant can be cooked to make jelly. In addition the juice of the berries is also a sought-after refreshment. Lastly the berries of the B. canadensis are pounded to produce a paste similar to oatmeal. In addition, the berries are sometimes used to make alcoholic beverages.^[10]

Medicinal

Native Americans, specifically the Cherokee tribe, have been known to use Berberis canadensis as a remedy for diarrhea. The bark of the plant would be placed in water and then drunk to help alleviate the symptoms. In addition all plants in the berberidaceae family are known to have anti-rheumatic and anti-cancer affects.

References