Berberis vulgaris aka Common Barberry

Berberis vulgaris, also known as common barberry, European barberry or simply barberry, is a deciduous, prickly shrub reaching a height of 2-3m. Native to the Old World, it has become naturalized in the U.S.A. and is considered weedy. The shrub produces clusters of hanging orange-yellow flowers in late spring to early summer, which have an unpleasant odor. These flowers are followed by red, ovoid fruits that are edible but sharply acidic. The twigs of the barberry shrub are grooved and adorned with three-parted spines at the base of the leaves. The leaves themselves are green, small-toothed, and occur in groups. This plant is widely enjoyed as a tart and refreshing fruit in many countries.