Leatherleaf mahonia
Mahonia bealei

Family: Berberidaceae

What it is like

An upright shrub. It grows 2 m tall. The leaves have leaflets along the stalk. The leaves are 50 cm long and have 9-15 leaflets. The leaflets are widely spaced and are spiny. They are grey-green. The flowers are pale yellow. They have a scent. The fruit are small and about 1 cm long. They are deep purple berries. They occur in clusters.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It can grow in most well-drained soils. It needs an open sunny position. It is resistant to frost but sensitive to drought. It suits hardiness zones 6-10. Arboretum Tasmania. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China (country/location of origin), Europe, Indochina, Japan, Mexico, North America, SE Asia, Taiwan, Tasmania, USA, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw and also used for pies, jelly and wine. The stem is used in brewing liquor.

Edible parts

Fruit, stem - brewing

How it is grown

It can be grown by seed or by division of the suckers.

Its other names

Local names

Shi shi, Sou Shou

Synonyms

Probably now Mahonia japonica Bealei group;