Berberis canadensis

American barberry

Berberis canadensis, commonly known as American Barberry, is a deciduous shrub native to North America. Renowned in traditional medicine, its roots and stems contain berberine, a potent alkaloid. This plant is frequently utilized for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and digestive benefits, making it a staple in various herbal remedies.

  • Scientific name: Berberis canadensis
  • Family: Berberidaceae
  • Native range: Northern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Ranunculales. Finally, it is a member of the family Berberidaceae and falls under the genus Berberis.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Ranunculales WCVP
Family Berberidaceae WCVP
Genus Berberis WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Berberis canadensis, is recognized by various common names depending on the language and region. In Russian, it is called Барбарис канадский, while in German, it is referred to as Kanadische Berberitze. Its Bulgarian name is канадски кисел трън, and in Persian, it is known as زرشک کانادایی. Additionally, in Azerbaijani, the plant is called Kanada zirinci.
Language Common Name Source
ru Барбарис канадский Wikidata
de Kanadische Berberitze Wikidata
bg канадски кисел трън Wikidata
fa زرشک کانادایی Wikidata
az Kanada zirinci Wikidata
et kanada kukerpuu Wikidata
be барбарыс канадскі Wikidata
sl kanadski češmin Wikidata
de Berberis angulizans Wikidata
en American barberry Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known as Berberis canadensis, exhibits a specific range across several regions of the United States. In the North-Central U.S.A., its presence is documented in the states of Illinois and Missouri. Moving toward the Northeastern U.S.A., the species can also be found growing in Indiana. Additionally, its distribution extends into the Pennsylvania region within the Northeast. Finally, the plant is recorded as part of the natural flora in West Virginia.

Region Area Source
North-Central U.S.A. Illinois WCVP
North-Central U.S.A. Missouri WCVP
Northeastern U.S.A. Indiana WCVP
Northeastern U.S.A. Pennsylvania WCVP
Northeastern U.S.A. West Virginia WCVP
Southeastern U.S.A. Alabama WCVP
Southeastern U.S.A. Georgia WCVP
Southeastern U.S.A. Kentucky WCVP
Southeastern U.S.A. Maryland WCVP
Southeastern U.S.A. North Carolina WCVP