Common / European Barberry, in fruit. Autumn. (Berberis vulgaris). Native to central and southern Europe, northwest Africa and western Asia; Also naturalised in northern Europe, including the UK and Scandinavia, and North America.The fruit is an oblong red berry which ripens in late summer or autumn; they are edible but sour and are a rich source of Vitamin C. The shrub is both poisonous and medicinal. In Europe, the berries are traditionally used for making jam. In southwestern Asia, especially Iran, the berries are used in cooking.The plant, except for its fruits and seeds, can cause a non-fatal poisoning. Its main poisonous agent is berberine.