This shrub has very spiny leaves that are various shades of green, blue and pink. In spring yellow flowers are followed by red to yellow berries that are enjoyed by wildlife. Roots may be mildly toxic. Plant Characteristics Family Name Berberidaceae Species Name Berberis haematocarpa Common Name Red Barberry, Desert Barberry Plant Type Shrub Sun Exposure Coast-Sun, Inland-Sun, Water Requirement Low Soil Type Sand, fast draining Flower Color Yellow, Gold Flowering Months March, April, May Evergreen/Deciduous Evergreen Height by Width 8ft. x 8ft. Growth Rate Moderate Endangered Not Ranked Growth Habit Rounded, Cold Hardy to 15 degrees F Distribution Eastern and southern Mojave Desert; to TX, Mexico Natural Habitat Rocky slopes, pinyon/junper woodland, chaparral; from 3,200' - 6,000' Specialty Features Hedge/Screen Erosion Control Songbirds Hummingbirds Deer Resistant Pollinators