What is the shrub with purple spikes on the branches?

I was in the yard weeding and noticed that large lilac bush near the house On the search was a little overwhelmed. I will try to describe it, so I hope someone can identify: it is about 7-8 meters high, with branches with Clusters of dark, small oval leaves are about half an inch an inch long. Much of Bush is just a dark green color, but also over the tops and outside is a nice way of cut-purple wine. I thought it was a pretty shrub, but when I went to trim, OUCH! It prickles on the branches. I live in Michigan, there some something that would change it if it helps. Who knows what that is? And I should get rid of it: it is an undesirable plant type? There seems to be a b1tch to treatment and after trying to cut them back, I'm not sure I like it a lot … Good, helpful answers, guys – thanks!

It's easy. Nothing else looks like a barberry! It really is a shrub with a friendly tone of great color. Proposal: Do not shear into a heap. They're ruining their natural structure. It sounds like it's a bit overgrown, so here's what you do bring: the long sleeves and leather gloves, follow the highest branches down as much as possible and snip at the base. Thus the overall height and spread will be reduced without destroying the natural form. Do not take more than one third of the bush this year. Next year you can do the same until you made this in a respectable sample. Any party that is in full sun, keep the color purple, the leaves in the shade green. Happy Landscaping! BTW, the birds like it too!

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