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Mahonia fremontii (Torr.) Fedde

Desert Oregon-grape, Fremont barberry, Fremont's mahonia, Holly grape

Berberidaceae (Barberry Family)

Synonyms: Berberis fremontii

USDA Symbol: MAFR3

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A roundish shrub, 3-8 ft. with stiff, erect branches; showy yellow flowers; blue-green, prickly foliage and yellow to red berries.

This plant is susceptible to diseases and so is considered undesirable in agricultural areas, where it can spread disease to crop plants.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Fruit: Yellow or red to brown 12-18 mm
Size Class: 6-12 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun

Distribution

USA: AZ , CA , CO , NM , NV , UT
Native Distribution: W. CO, UT, NM, n. AZ & rare in Mohave Desert
Native Habitat: Dry, rocky, pinyon/juniper areas 3000-5000 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry, rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: Occasionally reaches tree size. Drought-resistant. Considered a menace in cereal-raising areas as it is a host for wheat rust.

Propagation

Description: Increase is possible with seed, layers or cuttings.
Seed Collection: Ripe fruits may be pick by hand, using heavy gloves, or flailed onto cloth beneath the bushes. Seeds can be removed through maceration and flotation.
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Mahonia fremontii in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Mahonia fremontii in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Mahonia fremontii

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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