Japanese Mahonia
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Average mature size of 5-7' tall and 7-10' wide. A course, upright evergreen shrub. Slow growth rate. Short lived, 20-50 years.

Native Range

Native to Taiwan and China, and has been highly cultivated in Japan for centuries.

Flower and Fruit Details

This species differs by having a loose, spreading flower inflorescence in racemes. Yellow March flowers, similar to Leatherleaf Mahonia, but this Japanese version has larger, brighter-yellow flowers spaced farther apart, w/ long bracts under each flower. Fruits are 1/3-1/2" long, ovoid, glaucous gray-mauve to gray-blue in color, July-August, turning blackish-blue and are relished by songbirds. Fruits are true berries. May be slower to start producing fruit than the Leatherleaf Mahonia.

Leaf and Bark Features

Evergreen: Leaves to 18" long, dull dark to blue green, broadleaf evergreen, alternate, pinnately compound, 7-19 dark, glossy-green leaflets, very stiff and pointed at tips and on the 5-7 large, marginal spine-like teeth. Leaves grow in horizontal tiers. Each leaflet is 1-4" long and 1-2" wide, sessile on the rachis. Leaf petiole is 1-1.5" long. Leaflets are not strongly nerved, and do not show the prominent veins that are found on the Leatherleaf Mahonia. Bark is gray-brown.

Culture and Care

Prefers shade, but tolerates part sun. Zones (6)7-8. Tolerates poor soil. No serious insect or disease problems. Problems are more physiological, soil and weather-related. Susceptible to powdery mildew, leaf rust, leaf spots, scale and whitefly.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

Good wildlife value. 4-season interest: Spring, summer, fall, winter. Also known as Mahonia japonica. Traits are quite similar to Leatherleaf Mahonia.

Suggested Uses

Good for very early spring flower color in the shady part of the garden, also for naturalizing. Good in group plantings, in woodland areas, foundation plantings, shrub borders, slopes, or as a screen or barrier plant due to the spiny leaves.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA