Calafate (box-leaved barberry) Berberis microphylla
Calafate (box-leaved barberry) (Berberis microphylla) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Berberidaceae family, native to Patagonia. It grows 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft) tall and 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart.
Plan Calafate (box-leaved barberry) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Calafate (box-leaved barberry) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Berberidaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.2 m (3.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about October for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: berries (jam, ice cream) |
| Native to | Patagonia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇨🇱 Chile |
Is Calafate (box-leaved barberry) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: roots, bark, spines
Berberine in roots and bark; three-forked spines.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Calafate (box-leaved barberry)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Calafate (box-leaved barberry)
- How far apart should I plant Calafate (box-leaved barberry)?
- About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft).
- Does Calafate (box-leaved barberry) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Calafate (box-leaved barberry) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Calafate (box-leaved barberry)?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Calafate (box-leaved barberry) flower?
- From about October for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Calafate (box-leaved barberry) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Berberine in roots and bark; three-forked spines.
- What grows well with Calafate (box-leaved barberry)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Calafate (box-leaved barberry). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Flora Argentina, IBODA-CONICET
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Patagonian legend says whoever eats calafate berries will return to Patagonia. Spiny windbreak shrub.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
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- Oregon grape Berberis aquifolium
- Japanese barberry Berberis thunbergii
- Darwin’s barberry (michay) Berberis darwinii
- Mayapple (American mandrake) Podophyllum peltatum
- Strawberry Fragaria x ananassa
- Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum
- Dwarf apple tree Malus domestica