Berberidaceae

Defining Characteristics

• Flowers typically 6-merous (petals and sepals in whorls of 2 or 3 each)
• Stamens often equal in number to petals and opposite them
• Berberine (yellow alkaloid) present in many members, especially roots and stems
• Herbaceous perennials or deciduous to semi-evergreen shrubs
• Berry or follicle fruits
• Often with compound or deeply lobed leaves

Notable Genera

• Berberis (barberry)
• Mahonia (Oregon grape)
• Podophyllum (mayapple)
• Caulophyllum (blue cohosh)
• Epimedium (barrenwort)
• Jeffersonia (twinleaf)

Notes

Berberine has documented antimicrobial properties and is used in traditional medicine. Podophyllotoxin from mayapple is a precursor to anticancer drugs (etoposide, teniposide). Several genera are popular ornamental garden plants.