Pale yellow with a slight blush, the flowers cluster together in small alliances hiding under the similarly burgundy tinted thick oval leaves. Easy to miss. Dangerous to touch, thorns are prolific. Barberry Shrub (Berberis vulgaris)’s blooms precede the namesake bright red berries.

Photography is actually painting with light. Nature uses light and shadow for camouflage and allure, both qualities leading to survival of species. Barberry flowers appear to be sunlight reflections to the casual viewer that focuses on the darker shrubbery leaves. This macro image reveals “light” as flowers in full bloom.

For more images and information, see older posting: Berries and barbs in winter… 12/13/11