How to identify Chinese mahonia (Berberis fortunei)

How to identify Chinese mahonia (Berberis fortunei)

Chinese mahonia, also known as Holly grape

Chinese mahonia is an evergreen shrub with a multi-stemmed habit that forms a dense, rounded shape approximately 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters) in both height and width. Its branches maintain foliage all the way to the base and exhibit a cascading growth pattern as they mature. The leaves are small, glossy, and sleek, contributing to the shrub's lush appearance throughout the year. Chinese mahonia's structure allows it to be used effectively as a standalone feature or within group plantings.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Chinese mahonia

Dense, rounded shrub reaching 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters) in height and width.

Small, glossy leaves with cascading growth pattern, maintaining foliage to the base.

Bright yellow flowers in racemes, blooming from late summer to fall.

Narrow leaves measuring 4-7 inches (10-18 cm) with spiny margins.

Non-showy green leaves contributing to an evergreen appearance.

Detailed Traits of Chinese mahonia

Leaf Features

The leaves of chinese mahonia are narrow and measure approximately 4 to 7 inches (10 to 18 cm) in length. They feature a pinnate arrangement, with alternately placed leaflets on each side of the stem. The margins of the leaflets are adorned with 5 to 10 or more spiny protrusions reminiscent of holly. The leaves are green and do not exhibit any color change in the fall. They have a non-showy appearance, contributing to a hardy, evergreen shrub.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of chinese mahonia are small, bright yellow, and grow in racemes. Each raceme consists of a central stalk with tightly clustered flowers that lack significant stems of their own. Older blossoms are situated at the base, while newer ones appear towards the tip. These blooms are about 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter and emit a faint fragrance, blooming primarily from late summer into fall.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

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