This shrub has upright arching thorny branches that form a dense rounded habit. It has glossy dark green spiny tip oblong leaves and the small dark orange cup-shaped nodding flowers appear in a cluster from mid to late spring followed by black berries.

Hardiness zones 7 to 9 

Berberis darwinii is naturally found from southern Chile to Argentina growing on the coastal mountains and interior valleys amongst trees at an altitude from 500 m to 2000 m (6,000 ft). 

It grows in an open sunny to a semi-shaded position in well-drained fertile moist soils that are tending acidic with a pH 6-7.8 and is tolerant of short periods of drought and low temperatures with the occasional snow cover.

Darwin's Barberry is grown for its flowers and a dense bushy habit. It is planted in parks and gardens along borders for screening or as a specimen and used in woodland settings. It is suitable for coastal and low-mountain regions establishing in 3-4 years and is long-lived. 
This shrub is also trained to form a hedge or can be used in large containers. In certain regions it is regarded as a weed as its self-sows and spreads rapidly with underground runners. ID 3602

Note:
The fresh seed is very viable and has become an invasive plant in certain regions such as New Zealand where it is disbursed by birds. Control methods include removing and disposing of fruit or physically removing plants.

Berberis (BER-be-ris) darwinii (dah-WIN-ee-eye)

Named after Charles Darwin who discovered it in 1835 during his voyage on the Beagle.

Berberidaceae (BER-be-rid-AY-see-ee)