Simpson, Benny
Mahonia swaseyi (Buckl. ex Young) Fedde
Texas barberry, Texas Oregon-grape
Berberidaceae (Barberry Family)
Shrub up to 3 or 4 feet tall. Leaves up to 3 inches long, with 2 to 4 pairs of leaflets and a terminal one on a central axis; leaflets firm textured,
evergreen, margins with spiny teeth, veins prominent on the lower surface. Flowers yellow, about 3/8 inch wide, appearing from late February to early April.
Fruit a red
berry, edible.
Image Gallery:
9 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Shrub Flower:
Fruit: white or red 9-16 mm
Size Class: 3-6 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Feb , Mar , Apr
Distribution
USA: TX
Native Distribution: In TX, Edwards Plateau to Panhandle
Native Habitat: Open fields; wood borders; limestone ridges
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Description: Rocky, calcareous soils.
Conditions Comments: Endemic to the Hill Country in many settings.Has many attrubutes of the more familiar Agarita (Mahonia trifoliata) with a larger longer leaf but similar look.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Fruit is eaten by birds and other wildlife.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Attracts: Birds
Deer Resistant: High
2009-04-21
