Mahonia aquifolium

Mahonia aquifolium is an evergreen shrub native to western North America.

It grows 50-150 cm tall.

The leaves are tough, leathery, with spiny, serrated leaflets. Dark green above, light green below, sometimes reddish when young.

The flowers are golden yellow, gathered in erect, paniculate inflorescences. It blooms in April and May.

The fruit is a berry, initially green, later turning blue.

Mahonia aquifolium requires fertile, moderately moist, calcium-poor soil with a pH ranging from acidic to neutral. It prefers a shaded or partially sunny location.

It is completely frost-hardy.