Lycium Barberry (Berberis lycium)

Family: Berberidaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Berberis lycium is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked and made into preserves. Fairly juicy with a nice slightly acid flavour. The fruits are about 8mm long. Leaves and young shoots - cooked. Leaves are a tea substitute. — Fruit - raw or cooked and made into preserves.; Fairly juicy with a nice slightly acid flavour.; The fruits are about 8mm long.; Leaves and young shoots - cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Shrubberies and open hillsides, usually on hot dry slopes, to 3000 metres. in Kashmir. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)