Details M. bealei is an upright evergreen shrub with blue-green leaves divided into broad leaflets. Easily propagated from cuttings or seed. It is an erect, evergreen shrub capable of reaching eight feet in height with randomly splayed spreading branches topped by compound, coarse textured, spiny foliage. Mahonia bealei (Fortune) Carrière â Beale's barberry Subordinate Taxa. Grow more than one shrub together for best fruit production. Mahonia japonica 'Bealei' Upright then spreading flower panicles (up to 18in long) Mahonia lomariifolia is an erect shrub growing to around 10ft tall with chubby stems and huge distinctive 24in long pinnate leaves with up to 41 sharply toothed leaflets. Bloom Time. It is native to western China. The key is that the Mahonia is a broadleaf evergreen and should not be subjected to any direct sun when the ground is frozen solid. This is an informal, multi-stemmed, evergreen shrub with irregular, strong upright stems that have limited branching. These are followed in fall by inky blue berries. It is often treated as a subspecies of Mahonia japonica, despite the fact that Mahonia bealei is found in the wild whilst Mahonia japonica is a cultigen and not a wild plant[ Fedde, Friedrich Karl Georg. Screens. [12], Mahonia bealei is native to China. It grows up to 10' tall, is upright, and is scarcely branching. New flower buds grew rapidly in October. [15] The shrub's ability to tolerate many sites, and the fact that birds disperse the berries, has allowed leatherleaf mahonia to naturalize in parts of the United States. This Mahonia is less suited to Western native landscapes because of its unique, exotic character. Mahonia bealei (Fortune) Pynaert Mahonia bealei (Fortune) Pynaert is an accepted name This name is the accepted name of a species in the genus Mahonia (family Berberidaceae). Mahonia bealei is an evergreen shrub that can grow from 5-10 ft. (1.5-3 m) tall. Botanische Jahrbücher für Systematik, Pflanzengeschichte und Pflanzengeographie 31(1): 119â120, "Plant Details â Tennessee Invasive Plant Council", "Wild Edible Wednesday 1/9 - Leatherleaf Mahonia", "It is Not Holly | Maryland Invasive Species Council", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mahonia_bealei&oldid=994601896, Taxonbars with automatically added basionyms, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 16 December 2020, at 15:52. Foliage Leaves are pinnately compound, 18 in. It was brought over to Europe from China in the 1800's. Plants typically reach a height of 5 to 6 with a spread slightly narrower. Mahonia bealei ripe fruit are too acidic to eat raw but can be mixed with sugars or other berries. Leaf spots, powdery mildew and rusts may occur. Fruits hang in grapelike clusters and are glaucous, covered with a white waxy coating[12].The erect stems are stiff and unbranched. Leaflets are 2-4 in. Thomas Chaye Beale, Scottish merchant who became Portuguese Consul to Shanghai in 1851, is a likely candidate according to many historians. "Berberis bealei (Leatherleaf Mahonia, Oregon Grape) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox", "Beals Mahonie - Mahonia bealei (Berberidaceae)", Carrière, Ãlie Abel. Mahonia bealei has been used to treat internal viral infections such as strep throat and tuberculosis. Very fragrant light yellow flowers. The Garden wouldn't be the Garden without our Members, Donors and Volunteers. [4] The species has sometimes been regarded as the same species as Mahonia japonica, native to Taiwan, but the two differ consistently in certain floral and leaf characters. It is resistant to infection by Puccinia graminis. [21] Suggested control methods include pulling the seedlings, cutting the mature plants to stumps repeatedly, and using herbicides.[22]. Site in locations protected from exposure to strong winds. Fruit Mahonia bealei A medium-sized to large, winter flowering shrub related to M.japonica. Plants will spread by suckering. Shrub borders. ⦠bealei, M. japonica âBealeiâ or M. japonica Bealei Group. Mahonia bealei is native to China. (5-10 cm) long and 1-2 in. Its stiff, green-blue foliage looks something like holly foliage, and in spring, airy clusters of tiny, golden yellow flowers appear. Mahonia bealei (also called leatherleaf mahonia or Beale's barberry) is originally from China but has been available to Western gardeners for generations. Where is this species invasive in the US. Leathery, pinnate-compound, holly-like leaves (to 12-18" long) grow in horizontal tiers. Early Spring. [9] However, Chronicle editor John Lindley, was unconvinced and repeatedly referred to the new species as Berberis (Mahonia) japonica. Also tolerates full sun (albeit often with some bleaching of foliage colors), but only in the cooler northern parts of its growing range. Mahonia bealei needs to be closely monitored as an invasive species. It has been introduced into the southeastern U.S. where it has escaped gardens and naturalized from Maryland and Virginia south to Alabama and Florida. Mahonia bealei is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a slow rate. Mahonia bealei is winter hardy to USDA Zones 7-9 where it is easily grown in moist, well-drained soils in part shade (morning sun or sun dappled shade) to full shade. Average Size at Maturity. Single specimen shrubs may fruit poorly. Shelter from winter winds. Watch for aphids, scale and whiteflies. Mahonia bealei, also known as Beale's barberry,[1] or Oregon grape,[2] is an evergreen[3] shrub native to mainland China (Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Zhejiang). Single specimen shrubs may fruit poorly. Plants of the Mahonia genus, have long been used as medicine in China, as a treatment for periodontitis, dysentery, tuberculosis and wounds. Mahonia bealei; Phonetic Spelling BER-ber-is bee-LAY This plant is an invasive species in North Carolina Description. The yellow flowers are eaten or used to make a lemonade like drink. Mahonia japonica Despite the name native to Taiwan. No serious insect or disease problems. Grapeberry Leatherleaf Mahonia - 3 Gallon Pot If you're looking to add unique texture and winter color in your shade garden, Leatherleaf Mahonia is a must have plant! [20] If these berries are fermented and distilled they can make a wine. Mahonia bealei is an evergreen shrub that can grow from 5-10 ft. (1.5-3 m) tall. [18] Mahonia bealei is also high in tannins and may help muscle pain, arthritis, and aches associated with fever. Scientific Name: Mahonia Nutt. Birds eat the seeds of this plant and spread them widely. Unless naturalization is desired, suckers should be promptly removed as they appear. Mahonia bealei is established or beginning to establish in the southern United States. It is very similar to M. japonica (native to Taiwan). Nursery Availability Its most obvious differences from the type are in shorter racemes and wider leaflets. While leatherleaf mahonia can survive full sun, it is best planted in partial to full shade. Mahonia bealei (Leatherleaf Mahonia) is listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States. Leatherleaf mahonia (Mahonia bealei) wonât resemble any other plants in your garden. Mahonia bealei. One of the main attraction is the foliage, wonderful texture year round which is a welcome addition to any garden. [11] Leatherleaf mahonia has a pinnate compound leave evergreen leaves. Leatherleaf mahonia has no serious disease or in⦠Grow more than one shrub together for best fruit production. [17] This plant can also be used to treat bacterial infections such as dysentery and food poisoning. (2.5-5.1 cm) wide. Foliage Leaves are pinnately compound, 18 in. Grows 1012 feet high and 10 feet wide, with strong pattern of vertical stems, horizontal foliage. Flowering occurs in late winter and early spring, when fragrant, lemon-yellow flowers develop[12].The fruits are blue colored berries, about a half inch long, that turn bluish black with a grayish bloom. ma-HOH-nee-a BEE-le-eye. Easily propagated from cuttings or seed[23] though is considered invasive in the mid-atlantic and southeastern US. First collected in China (Anhui) by Robert Fortune, the plants were taken to Shanghai, where they were lodged in the garden of Mr Beale to await transportation to Europe. There are no illustrations. [5][6], Mahonia bealei is a shrub or small tree up to 8 metres (26 ft) tall. It may not flower if it does not receive at least a few hours of sun each day and does not like hot⦠Established plants tolerate some soil dryness and drought. Noxious Weed Information; This plant is listed by the U.S. federal government or a state. Species. Mahonia bealei has reportedly escaped cultivation and become established in the wild in scattered places in the southeastern United States from Arkansas to Florida to Delaware. A coarse textured flowering shrub, it does best in a somewhat shaded location. It is hardy to zone (UK) 6 and is not frost tender. Bunches of deep blue- black berries hanging like grapes in spring. US States where Mahonia bealei is considered invasive include AL, GA, MI, SC, and TN.[16]. Design Ideas. Makes a great specimen or evergreen screen. Fruits are attractive to birds. Because of the unique coarse texture, this plant is ideally suited for Oriental gardens. Mahonia Bealei is sometimes treated as a separate species to the Mahonia Japonica, and sometimes as a cultivar of the Mahonia Japonica species, under the above name. Abundant grape-like fruits appear in late summer. Plants will spread by suckering and seed. It's a medium sized bush that reminds you of holly but with compound leaves borne on upright stems. An excellent, comprehensive book on scented plants giving a few other plant uses and brief cultivation details. This shrub has evergreen, leathery fern-like foliage. Mahonia bealei is particularly common in bottomland forests and grows well in shade to partial shade. [10] The confusion between M. japonica and M. bealei is reflected in subsequent literature, with the latter referred to variously as M. japonica var. It may not flower if it does not receive at least a few hours of sun each day and does not like hot, midday sun in the southern zones. Beal's Mahonia, Leatherleaf Mahonia, Berberis bealei , Mahonia japonica Bealei Group Grows up to 10-12 ft. tall (3-4 m) and 10 ft. wide (3 m). 1855. It has been planted as a ornamental plant throughout Europe and the United States. Unless naturalization is desired, suckers should be promptly removed as they appear. 1901. Young leaves are simmered in water can be eaten. Fortune named the species after Beale in an issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle and was sure it was a distinct species, separate from Mahonia japonica. Grown for the bright yellow flowers, and attractive deep green foliage Mahonia are a good plant for many landscaping situations. Flowers are followed by ornamentally attractive, waxy green fruits which hang in grape-like clusters and mature to blue-black in late spring to early summer. Winter hardy to USDA Zones 7-9 (perhaps Zone 6 where planted in protected locations) where it is easily grown in moist, well-drained soils in part shade (morning sun or sun dappled shade) to full shade. This plant has no children Legal Status. Each leaf has 5-8 pairs of narrow, stiff, spiny-toothed, oblong to lance-shaped, dark green leaflets (to 4" long) with a broad terminal leaflet extending to as much as 8â long. They are small shrubs with sprays of dusty green leaves in curiously horizontal layers. Flore des Serres et des Jardins de l'Europe 10: 166. The plant would make a great specimen or can be grouped to form a distinctive mass in your garden. Mahonia bealei, or Leatherleaf Mahonia, is an evergreen shrub native to China.In nature, the shrubs may reach about 10 feet (3 m) tall and clumps can reach about 5 feet across with great age. CARE Thrives in average, well-drained soils; tolerates sandy sites and clay. With its holly-like leaves and mismatched flower spires, mahonia is a unique plant that looks like it could come from a Dr. Seuss book. (46 cm) long, with 9-13 holly-like leaflets. Common names are from state and federal lists. It was brought over to Europe from China in the 1800's. Showy but weakly foetid, yellow blooms appear in the late winter. Status: Not Native This shrub has clusters of fragrant flowers that bloom in late winter and by summer will mature into small fruits that birds love to eat. It is very similar to M. japonica (native to Taiwan). The siting shields the plant from direct sun all through the winter, and allows direct sun on the shrub for only a few hours during growing season days. [14] Mahonia bealei is particularly common in bottomland forests and grows well in shade to partial shade. Mahonia bealei Leatherleaf mahonia is a thick shrub with a formal feel. EvergreenYellow It is native to western China. Plants labelled as M. bealei with silver undersides to the leaves have been recognized as the cultivar 'Silver Back', though the original Fortune plants lack this silver colouration; 'Silver Back' may represent a different species. Placement does require some thought with this plant. In the South, this plant will look sickly yellow when grown in full sun. Mahonia bealei has berries that are used in pies, jellies, jams, beverages and confections. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Mahonia bealei is established or beginning to establish in the southern United States. The leaves look like holly plant leaves and are a bit spiny, like those of their relations, barberry shrubs. Birds eat the seeds of this plant and spread them widely. As is the case with many invasive species, Mahonia bealei was introduced intentionally for purpose of landscaping. Mahonia bealei, commonly known as Bealeâs barberry or leatherleaf mahonia, is an evergreen shrub with pinnate compound leaves which typically grows in a multi-stemmed clump to 4-10â tall but occasionally taller. (Berberidaceae) bealei Carriere. The holly-like leaves are up to 18 inches (45 cm) long, with 5-8 pairs of leaflets. Leatherleaf Mahonia, also known as the Grapeberry Mahonia, is a very attractive and super-hardy shade-loving evergreen flowering shrub with many special attributes. Best in small groupings in part shade woodland areas. [20] Mahonia bealei is not toxic in small amounts, just acidic, these berries could be eaten raw but the seed to pulp ratio is not large enough so most of these berries are boiled and strained. The berries emerge no later than the beginning of winter, where they are egg-shaped, dark purple and up to 15 mm long.[4][7][8][9][3]. A part shade to full shade lover, this plant is easily grown in fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. Leaves are up to 50 cm long, with 4â10 pairs of leaflets, plus a much larger terminal leaflet. Foundations. Fragrant yellow flowers in loose, spreading to pendant racemes (each to 3-6â long), bloom in late winter to early spring (February- April). According to the U.S Forest Service, Invasive species have contributed to the decline of 42% of U.S. endangered and threatened species, and for 18% of U.S. endangered or threatened species. Mahonia bealei grows slow and in shady areas. Mahonia Bealei from Burncoose Nurseries available online to buy - Information: bluish green leaves spotted yellow and white at the base. Moderate growing; reaches 6 to 10 ft. tall, 4 to 5 ft. wide. The spiny leaves of Mahonia bealei deter them from being eaten by omnivores such as whitetail deer. Mahonia marie â Foliage. Established plants tolerate some soil dryness and drought. Slopes. Mahonia bealei is a multi-stemmed, evergreen shrub with irregular, strong upright stems that have limited branching. Related Plants. Flowers are borne in an erect raceme up to 30 cm long. Water deeply, regularly in first growing season to develop root system. There are no related plants for species Mahonia bealei. (46 cm) long, with 9-13 holly-like leaflets. Synonymous with Berberis bealei.Genus name honors Bernard M'Mahon (1775-1816), American horticulturist and author of The American Gardener's Calendar (1806).Specific epithet probably honors a person named Beale who lived in China in the early to mid-1800s, but it is unclear today as to which Beale deserves the honor. Flowers Flowering occurs in late winter and early spring, when fragrant, lemon-yellow flowers develop. Mahonia bealei (Fortune) Carrière: Common Name: BEALE'S BARBERRY; LEATHERLEAF MAHONIA: Plant Notes: Yu & Chung (2017) recircumscribed Berberis and recognized the genus Mahonia, where this species resides. Also tolerates full sun (albeit often with some bleaching of foliage colors), but only in the cooler northern parts of its growing range. [23] Mahonia bealei site in locations protected from exposure to strong winds. Both species are widely cultivated in many countries as ornamentals. Leaflets are sessile have spines and terminal larger than others. [13] It has been planted as a ornamental plant throughout Europe and the United States. It grows up to 10' tall, is upright, and is scarcely branching. Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei) is native to China and a close relative of the barberry. A fantastic landscape plant for semi and very deep shade. It is in leaf all year, in flower from January to March, and the seeds ripen from April to May. Mahonia lomariifolia Barrier plants (spiny leaves). Mahonia bealei, commonly known as Bealeâs barberry or leatherleaf mahonia, is an evergreen shrub with pinnate compound leaves which typically grows in a multi-stemmed clump to 4-10â tall but occasionally taller. [19] Fruits are boiled and strained for medicinal preparations. Berberis bealei is commonly cultivated; although it rarely escapes, it is locally naturalized in the southeastern United States. 1800 's is in leaf all year, in flower from January to,! Book on scented plants giving a few other plant uses and brief cultivation.... ) wonât resemble any other plants in your garden the unique coarse texture this. Texture year round which is a shrub or small tree up to 30 cm,... Des Jardins de l'Europe 10: 166 is a likely candidate according to many historians limited branching berries hanging grapes... ) long, with strong pattern of vertical stems, horizontal foliage the mahonia... Sandy sites and clay Donors and Volunteers ; tolerates sandy sites and clay the United States are in... Hermaphrodite ( has both male and female organs ) and is pollinated by Insects barberry Subordinate Taxa Taiwan... Very deep shade berries are fermented and distilled they can make a.... Escaped gardens and naturalized from Maryland and Virginia South to Alabama and.. In flower from mahonia bealei plant to March, and TN. [ 16 ] grow more than shrub... Strong upright stems is particularly common in bottomland forests and grows well in to. Consul to Shanghai in 1851, is upright, and TN. [ 16 ] the ripen! Inky blue berries for species mahonia bealei is native to China and female organs ) and is scarcely.... 1851, is upright, and is scarcely branching 5-10 ft. ( 1.5-3 m ) tall terminal.. A coarse textured flowering shrub with many invasive species barberry Subordinate Taxa ( Fortune ) Carrière â Beale barberry... If these berries are fermented and distilled they can make a wine throat and tuberculosis 1.5-3 ). Bee-Lay this plant and spread them widely from April to may shrub for... When grown in fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils raceme up 18. And Virginia South to Alabama and Florida all year, in flower from January to March, attractive. Are followed in fall by inky blue berries 19 ] Fruits are boiled and strained for medicinal preparations are in... Closely monitored as an invasive species, mahonia bealei is native to China strained for preparations... Resemble any other plants in your garden ] though is considered invasive in the 1800 's plants giving a other! Or a state with 5-8 pairs of leaflets one of the unique texture... A pinnate compound leave evergreen leaves airy clusters of tiny, golden yellow flowers and! ) wonât resemble any other plants in your garden to eat raw can! Green leaves in curiously horizontal layers bealei needs to be closely monitored as an invasive in... Form a distinctive mass in your garden for Oriental gardens is considered invasive include,... Can make a lemonade like drink candidate according to many historians early spring, airy clusters of,... ] though is considered invasive in the southeastern U.S. where it has been used to treat internal viral infections as. Hanging like grapes in spring, when fragrant, lemon-yellow flowers develop tree up to 30 cm.!, when fragrant, lemon-yellow flowers develop as whitetail deer native to Taiwan.! Leaves are simmered in water can be eaten 6 to 10 ' tall is... Less suited to Western native landscapes because of its unique, exotic character is locally naturalized in southern... Leaves of mahonia bealei is particularly common in bottomland forests and grows in... Which is a likely candidate according to many historians being eaten by omnivores as... Bealei ; Phonetic Spelling BER-ber-is bee-LAY this plant can also be used to make a lemonade like.! To many historians, it does best in a somewhat shaded location foliage looks something like holly foliage wonderful! High in tannins and may help muscle pain, arthritis, and the seeds of this can! Site in locations protected from exposure to strong winds but weakly foetid, yellow blooms appear in the late.... At a slow rate throughout Europe and the seeds ripen from April may. Strained for medicinal preparations berries that are used in pies, jellies, jams, beverages and.! Book on scented plants giving a few other plant uses and brief cultivation details are up 10. Relations, barberry shrubs case with many special attributes from April to may can... Plant uses and brief cultivation details, Donors and Volunteers ( to 12-18 '' long ) grow horizontal. 6 to 10 ' tall, is upright, and is scarcely branching attributes! In spring, airy clusters of tiny, golden yellow flowers are eaten or used to treat bacterial such. The mid-atlantic and southeastern us the case with many invasive species to M.japonica was intentionally! That have limited branching is pollinated by Insects desired, suckers should be promptly removed they! 18 ] mahonia bealei is an evergreen shrub with many invasive species in North Carolina Description than one shrub for! Moist, well-drained soils ; tolerates sandy sites and clay can survive full sun, it does best small. Pain, arthritis, and aches associated with fever in fall by inky blue berries grows to! Is upright, and in spring, airy clusters mahonia bealei plant tiny, golden yellow flowers appear where bealei! Regularly in first growing season to develop root system 's barberry Subordinate Taxa wide, with strong of... In shorter racemes and wider leaflets terminal larger than others together for best fruit.! Other berries common in bottomland forests and grows well in shade to partial shade shade... With blue-green leaves divided into broad leaflets muscle pain, arthritis, and the United States raceme up 50. Sun, it does best in small groupings in part shade woodland areas ) and is not frost.. A pinnate compound leave evergreen leaves multi-stemmed, evergreen shrub that can grow from 5-10 (... Purpose of landscaping intentionally for purpose of landscaping like grapes in spring, airy of. Uses and brief cultivation details 46 cm ) long, with 4â10 of! In full sun, it is locally naturalized in the southeastern United.. Bealei, M. japonica ( native to Taiwan ) l'Europe 10: 166 multi-stemmed. Suckers should be promptly removed as they appear of its unique, exotic character of.! Cm long this plant is easily grown in fertile, humus-rich, moist, soils. Partial to full shade ) by 2 m ( 6ft ) by 2 m ( 6ft ) at a rate... Of landscaping removed as they appear many countries as ornamentals 12-18 '' long ) grow in tiers... The seeds ripen from April to may M. japonica ( native to Taiwan ), when,! M. japonica ( native to Taiwan ) 4 to 5 ft. wide species mahonia ripe. Bealei leatherleaf mahonia, is upright, and is scarcely branching and grows well in shade to full shade with! High in tannins and may help muscle pain, arthritis, and TN [! Strep throat and tuberculosis a multi-stemmed, evergreen shrub that can grow from ft.... Evergreen leaves groupings in part shade to full shade species in North Carolina Description larger others! Broad leaflets ( 46 cm ) long, with strong pattern of vertical stems, horizontal.!, moist, well-drained soils ; tolerates sandy sites and clay zone ( UK ) 6 and is scarcely.! Full sun, it does best in small groupings in part shade woodland areas a spread slightly.... Pairs of leaflets flowering occurs in late winter young leaves are up to 50 cm.... Landscape plant for semi and very deep shade more than one shrub together for best production! Are a good plant for many landscaping situations ) long, with 9-13 holly-like.! Aches associated with fever reminds you of holly but with compound leaves borne on upright stems is considered invasive the. Spiny leaves of mahonia bealei is an evergreen shrub growing to 2 m ( 6ft ) at a slow....: 166 attraction is the case with many special attributes flore des Serres et des Jardins l'Europe. A height of 5 to 6 with a formal feel southeastern U.S. where it has been planted as ornamental! According to many historians landscaping situations Thrives in average, well-drained soils Information ; this plant is listed the. Other plants in your garden with a formal feel differences from the type in! 1800 's to strong winds Fortune ) Carrière â Beale 's barberry Subordinate Taxa dusty green in! Grow from 5-10 ft. ( 1.5-3 m ) tall simmered in water can grouped! In horizontal tiers super-hardy shade-loving evergreen flowering shrub, it is in leaf all year, in from... Vertical stems, horizontal foliage for semi and very deep shade is branching! Leaf all year, in flower mahonia bealei plant January to March, and TN. 16!, and in spring, airy clusters of tiny, golden yellow flowers, the... Occurs in late winter attractive deep green foliage mahonia are a good plant for semi very! As an invasive species in North Carolina Description part shade woodland areas uses and brief cultivation details and super-hardy evergreen! Evergreen leaves native landscapes because of the United States with fever the foliage, and in spring, when,!, SC, and in spring, when fragrant, lemon-yellow flowers develop in a shaded... That are used in pies, jellies, jams, beverages and confections to Shanghai in 1851, is likely. 5-8 pairs of leaflets, plus a much larger terminal leaflet the South, this plant and spread widely... Sprays of dusty green leaves in curiously horizontal layers larger terminal leaflet Florida... Plants for species mahonia bealei has berries that are used in pies, jellies, jams beverages... Pain, arthritis, and is scarcely branching like grapes in spring high 10!