The Barbery-Bush.

Botanical name: 

Berberis.

THIS is a wild bush in some parts of England, but it is common every where in gardens; it grows to eight or ten feet high in an irregular manner, and much branched. The bark is whitish, and there are abundance of prickles about the branches. The leaves are of an oval figure, and strong green colour; and are indented about the edges. The flowers are small and of a pale yellowish colour; the fruit is sufficiently known; the berries are oblong, red, and of a sour taste. The branches are brittle, and, under the pale outer rind, there is another yellow and thicker. This is the part used in medicine; it is excellent in the jaundice, and has often cured it singly. It is also good in all obstructions. The best way to give it is infused in boiling water.


The Family Herbal, 1812, was written by John Hill.