The berries are toxic to humans, but birds like them. Some Durantas have thorns, not super bad though. They are said to be hardy to zone 9, though I feel some varieties are just fine here in zone 8. I'm not the biggest fan of the smaller, 'Cuban Gold' variety (I can't really put my finger on the why, just spidey sense for now!). The variegated one adds some great foliage color. I have yet to see that variety bloom well. Of the more common ones sold here, I prefer the dark purple blooming one. It seems to be more weeping than the lighter purple. I suppose it would depend on the grower's stock, but this has been my observation.

*Spidey sense: Spider-man's sixth sense that warns him of something being wrong or off.