Beale's 'Leatherleaf' Mahonia

Mahonia bealei

Originating in China, Leatherleaf Mahonia was introduced to the U.S. in 1845; it has subsequently gone native in the southeast, where in scattered areas it is invasive. Nevertheless, when properly cultivated it is a striking ornamental plant.

Looking somewhat like a holly, it has dull-textured, dark to blue-green foliage with sharp spines. Late-winter or early-spring flowers are lemon yellow and extremely fragrant. These are followed in early summer by berries that begin pale-blue in color and mature to blue-black.

This multi-stemmed, upright, irregular-shaped, broadleaf evergreen works very well in a mixed-shrub foundation planting or barrier hedge.

Prefers: Partial Shade      Average watering needs: Ensure planting area provides adequate drainage

*Deer Resistant*             Attracts: Birds, Butterflies & Pollinators

Photo courtesy of Toms Creek Nursery in Denton, NC (336) 857-2131