Red barberry, Mexican Barberry

Mahonia haematocarpa

Physical Characteristics

Mahonia haematocarpa is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 2 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

South-western N. America - Texas, Colorado, New Mexico and Mexico.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[85, 257]. Juicy and acidic[3], it is used mainly for making jams and jellies in N. America[11, 183]. It makes an acceptable raw fruit and is especially nice when added to porridges or muesli[K]. Unfortunately, there is relatively little flesh and a lot of seeds[K]. The berries are edible, juicy, and highly palatable, making this one of the most valuable edible Berberis species. They can be eaten fresh, dried, or cooked. The flavor is sweet-tart, similar to raspberries or currants, though somewhat seedy. Excellent wild fruit for deserts; small but flavorful [2-3]. Taste, Processing & Kitchen Notes: Fresh berries have a bright, tangy flavor, balancing acidity and sweetness. They are among the few truly juicy fruits native to desert ecosystems. Seeds are hard but small; they can be eaten or strained out for smoother preparations. Boiling the berries releases a rich, red-purple juice ideal for syrups, jellies, and fruit leathers. The flavor improves with sweetening, making it a good candidate for barberry jelly, syrup, or wine. To prepare, wash the berries thoroughly and simmer with water for 10–15 minutes. Strain through a fine cloth and sweeten to taste. The liquid can be reduced into a syrup or fermented for wine. Dried berries become sticky and candy-like, developing concentrated sweetness. Seasonality (Phenology): Red barberry flowers in late winter through early spring (February–May), often before many other shrubs leaf out. Fruits ripen in early to mid-summer (May–July), depending on elevation and rainfall. The evergreen leaves persist year-round, though older foliage may yellow slightly in hot summers. Harvest & Processing Workflow: Harvest ripe, dark red berries in May–July, when they are soft and glossy. Clip clusters carefully using gloves to avoid spines. Rinse to remove dust and insects. Fruits may be eaten fresh or processed immediately into jams or syrups. For drying, spread berries on mesh trays in shade; protect from ants and flies. Look-Alikes & Confusion Risks: Red barberry closely resembles Fremont’s barberry (B. fremontii), but is typically smaller and less glaucous, with smaller, rounder berries and more reddish coloration. Leaves of B. haematocarpa are narrower, and its fruits are consistently juicy rather than inflated. Traditional / Indigenous Use Summary: Tribes, including the Apache, Navajo, Pima, and Tohono O’odham, used red barberry extensively. The berries were eaten raw, dried, or cooked, and the roots and bark were used for yellow dye and digestive medicine. Some groups made tonic teas from the roots or crushed bark as a disinfectant. The fruit’s juice was also used as a natural coloring agent in food preparation.

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Antitumor Dysentery Ophthalmic Tonic Inner wood shavings can be soaked in water to make an eyewash. Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Mahonia species, has marked antibacterial effects and is used as a bitter tonic. Since it is not appreciably absorbed by the body, it is used orally in the treatment of various enteric infections, especially bacterial dysentery. It should not be used with Glycyrrhiza species (Liquorice) because this nullifies the effects of the berberine. Berberine has also shown antitumour activity. The root and root bark are best harvested in the autumn.

Known Hazards

The berries are safe for human consumption, but the roots, bark, and inner wood contain berberine, a bioactive alkaloid with antimicrobial and hypotensive properties. These tissues should not be ingested except under professional supervision. Berberine can cause gastrointestinal upset if misused.