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Cressler, Alan

Mahonia fremontii

Mahonia fremontii (Torr.) Fedde

Fremont's Mahonia, Desert Oregon-grape, Fremont Barberry, Holly Grape

Berberidaceae (Barberry Family)

Synonym(s): Berberis fremontii, Berberis higginsiae, Mahonia higginsiae, Odostemon fremontii

USDA Symbol: mafr3

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

A roundish shrub, usually 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.

From the Image Gallery

15 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Fruit Type: Berry
Size Notes: Up to about 15 feet tall, often much shorter.
Fruit: Yellow or red to brown 12-18 mm

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.

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 on display at the following locations:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA

Web Reference

Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) Calflora
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

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: 2022-10-19
Research By: TWC Staff

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