Darwin’s barberry (michay) Berberis darwinii
Darwin’s barberry (michay) (Berberis darwinii) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Berberidaceae family, native to Southern Chile and Argentina (Patagonia). It grows 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) tall and 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -15 °C (5 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
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Darwin’s barberry (michay) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Berberidaceae |
| Mature height | 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -15 °C (5 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 7) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: berries |
| Native to | Southern Chile and Argentina (Patagonia) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇱 Chile, 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇩🇪 Germany |
| Invasive in | New Zealand: check local rules before planting |
Is Darwin’s barberry (michay) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Berries are edible but sour; roots and bark contain berberine, so only the fruit is eaten. Spiny leaves.
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 Darwin’s barberry (michay)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Darwin’s barberry (michay)
- How far apart should I plant Darwin’s barberry (michay)?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft).
- Does Darwin’s barberry (michay) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Darwin’s barberry (michay) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Darwin’s barberry (michay)?
- It tolerates about -15 °C (5 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 7.
- When does Darwin’s barberry (michay) flower?
- From about April for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Darwin’s barberry (michay) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Berries are edible but sour; roots and bark contain berberine, so only the fruit is eaten. Spiny leaves.
- What grows well with Darwin’s barberry (michay)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Darwin’s barberry (michay). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Flora of New Zealand and Ngā Tipu Whakaoranga (Māori plant use), Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research
- Flora Argentina, IBODA-CONICET
Notes and assumptions
- Holly-like little leaves and masses of hanging orange flowers in spring, then blue-black berries; collected by Charles Darwin on Chiloé during the Beagle voyage (1835). Makes a stock-proof hedge.
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
- Heavenly bamboo (nandina) Nandina domestica
- Oregon grape Berberis aquifolium
- Japanese barberry Berberis thunbergii
- Calafate (box-leaved barberry) Berberis microphylla
- Mayapple (American mandrake) Podophyllum peltatum
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- Boxwood Buxus sempervirens