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Wasowski, Sally and Andy

Mahonia nevinii

Mahonia nevinii (A. Gray) Fedde

Nevin's Barberry

Berberidaceae (Barberry Family)

Synonym(s): Berberis nevinii, Odostemon nevinii

USDA Symbol: mane3

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

A 5-12 ft. shrub with red-brown, stiff-branched stems bearing attractive, blue-green, spiny, pinnate leaves. The shrub is covered with 2 in., loose-flowered, yellow flower spikes in spring. These are followed by hundreds of red to reddish-yellow berries.

From the Image Gallery

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Fruit Type: Berry
Size Notes: Up to about 12 feet tall.
Fruit: Yellowish red to red 5-6 mm

Bloom Information

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

Distribution

USA: CA
Native Distribution: S. CA
Native Habitat: Dry, coastal sage scrub and chaparral areas below 2000 ft.

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry sands and gravels, well-drained
Conditions Comments: Very cold- and drought-tolerant.

Benefit

Use Ornamental: Makes a good hedge.
Use Wildlife: Good bird habitat.
Use Food: Edible berries
Attracts: Birds

Propagation

Description: Increase is possible with seed.
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

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

Bibliography

Bibref 995 - Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski, S. and A. Wasowski

Search More Titles in Bibliography

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.

Additional resources

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2022-10-19
Research By: TWC Staff

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