ETYM Old Eng. barbarin, barbere, Old Fren. berbere.
Any of numerous plants of the genus Berberis having prickly stems and yellow flowers followed by small red berries.
Any spiny shrub of the genus Berberis of the barberry family (Berberidaceae), having sour red berries and yellow flowers. These shrubs are often used as hedges.
The barberry family also includes plants such as the May apple Podophyllum peltatum of the E North American woodlands.