Leatherleaf Mahonia
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Average mature size of 6-12' tall and 5-10' wide. A course, upright evergreen shrub. Slow growth rate. Short lived, 20-50 years.

Native Range

Native to China. Introduced into cultivation in 1845.

Flower and Fruit Details

Flowers are lemon yellow, very fragrant, in March-April. Fruits are true berries, rounded, abundant, 0.33-0.5" long, bluish, robin's-egg-blue at maturity, July-August, and are relished by songbirds.

Leaf and Bark Features

Evergreen: Leaves dull dark to blue-green, evergreen, alternate, pinnately compound, 9-15 leaflets, very stiff and pointed at tips and on the 5-7 large, marginal spine-like teeth. Each leaflet is 1-4" long and 1-2" wide, sessile on the rachis. Leaf petiole is 1-1.5" long. Leaflets are strongly nerved with prominent veins. Bark is gray-brown.

Culture and Care

Prefers shade. Zones (6)7-9. No serious insect or disease problems. Problems are more physiological, soil and weather-related. Susceptible to leaf rust, leaf spots, scale and whitefly.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

A very fragrant shade shrub. Good wildlife value. 4-season interest: Spring, summer, fall & winter. Also known as Mahonia bealei.

Suggested Uses

Good for very early spring flower color in the shady part of the garden.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA