Mahonia bealei (Fortune) Carr.

Mahonia bealei (Fortune) Carr.
Beale's Barberry, Leatherleaf Mahonia

Threat Level	Category
Emerging	Shrub

Similar Species May be confused with the following native and/or non-native species. Landscape Alternatives lists native horticultural substitutes	Ilex spp.

Description

Height

Leatherleaf Mahonia grows to 5-10 feet (1.5-3 m)

Stem

The erect stems are stiff and unbranched.

Leaves

Foliage is pinnately compound, 18 inches (46 cm) long, with 9-13 hollylike leaflets. Leaflets are 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long and 1-2 inches (2.5-5.1 cm) wide.

Flowers

Flowering occurs in late winter and early spring, when fragrant, lemon-yellow flowers develop.

Fruit

The fruits are blue colored berries, about a half inch long, that turn bluish black with a grayish bloom. Fruits hang in grapelike clusters and are glaucous, covered with a white waxy coating.

Images

Photo: Nancy Loewenstein, Auburn University, Bugwood.org
More images of Mahonia bealei

Life History

A member of the Berberidaceae Family, Leatherleaf Mahonia colonizes by basal sprouts. Seed from ripe fruit can immediately germinate. It hybridizes freely with other members of this genus.

Leatherleaf Mahonia is a stiff, prickly evergreen shrub somewhat resembling native American Holly (Ilex opaca) but instead having large compound leaves and yellow flowers with blue berries. Mahonia aquifolium, Oregon Grape Holly, is a native American relative of leatherleaf.

Habitat

Leatherleaf Mahonia has been planted as an ornamental and is now invading woodlands in the southern United States. It is particularly common in bottomland forests. Leatherleaf mahonia grows well in shade to partial shade. It may not flower if it doesn't get at least a couple hours of sun each day, though, and does not like hot, midday sun in the southern zones.

Origin and Distribution

Leatherleaf Mahonia is native to China, but has been available to Western gardeners for generations. It was brought to Europe from its home in China in the 1800s. It has been planted as an ornamental and is now invading woodlands in the southern United States. The shrub's ability to tolerate many sites, and the fact that birds eat the berries, has allowed Leatherleaf Mahonia to naturalize in parts of the United States. Other States Where Invasive: AL, GA, MI, SC, TN. Federal or State Listed as Noxious Weed, Prohibited, Invasive or Banned: MS.

Sources

Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain, Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981

Management Recommendations

Herbicidal Control

Foliar Spray Method

Thoroughly wet all leaves with one of the following herbicides in water with a surfactant. A glyphosate herbicide or Garlon 3A as a 5 percent solution (20 ounces per 3/gallon mix) applied during the growing season above 70 degrees; apply ArsenalL AC as a 0.13 percent solution (0.5 ounces per 3 gallon mix) or Arsenal Powerline as a 0.25 percent solution (1 ounce per 3 gallon mix) plus Accord as a 2/percent solution (8 ounces per 3 gallon mix) plus Escort at 0.8 dry ounces per 3 gallon mix in water. Spray as a low volume application to lightly wet leaves.

Cut Stump Method

For stems too tall for foliar sprays, cut large stems and immediately treat the stumps with one of the following herbicides: Garlon 4, Garlon 3A or a glyphosate herbicide as a 2 5 percent solution (32 ounces per 1 gallon mix).