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The barberry has been somewhat undeservedly elevated to “puu”, “tree”, in its Estonian name, kukerpuu, but it grows as a bush, up to two-three metres tall. In nature it occurs mostly on forest edges in Northwestern Estonia, at roadsides or in copses, but is also planted as an ornamental bush in gardens and parks. The common barberry has small thin leaves, with spines where the leaves are attached to  the branch, making the bush thorny.
Barberry berries have the highest content of organic acids of all our native berries, more than 6 percent. Cranberries in comparison only have half that amount. But cranberries only have half the amount of sugars too, so it is difficult to decide which berry is actually the sourest.
The juice from barberries contains much pectin, so it is suitable for making jellies, but the berries are also used for jams, compotes, fruit syrups and even liqueurs and wine. Essence of barberries is used in Barbariss candy. A cool bite in the forest!