Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Ranunculales>Berberidaceae>Mahonia bealei (Fortune) Carr.

Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei)

This frequently planted ornamental small shrub from China is invasive and currently an uncommon component of understory forests in North Carolina. It is particularly common in bottomland forests. The thick evergreen leaves and growth habit make the plant easy to recognize.

Eno River, Orange Co., NC 1/11/09.

Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei)

Flowers are produced in winter, appearing as early as mid-January and continuing through early March.

Orange Co., NC 1/11/09.

Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei)

The sweetly fragrant yellow flowers are followed by blue berries, which are quickly gobbled up and spread by birds.

Orange Co., NC 1/11/09.

Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei)

Orange Co., NC 1/11/09.

Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei)

Orange Co., NC 1/11/09.

Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei) fruits

The fruits are bluish and glaucous, covered with a white waxy coating.

Chapel Hill, NC 5/9/09.

Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei) fruits

Chapel Hill, NC 5/9/09.

Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei) fruits

Chapel Hill, NC 5/9/09.

Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei)

The leaves are slightly reminiscent of holly, but compound and not as prickly.

Durham, NC 3/28/07.

Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei)

New Hope Creek, Orange Co., NC 3/6/05.

Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei)

Sometimes called Beale's Barberry (Mahonia is closely related to the barberries, Berberis) or "Oregon grape" (a vernacular name for the Mahonia aquifolium, which is native to the Pacific Northwest).

Durham, NC 3/28/07.

Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei)

Bark detail.

Durham, NC 3/28/07.

More information:
Floridata

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All photographs and text ©2009 by Will Cook unless otherwise indicated.