Mahonia fremontii
Mahonia
a perennial woody evergreen member of the Mahonia genus in the family Berberidaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Berberidaceae
- Genus
- Mahonia
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- evergreen
- Woodiness
- woody
- Growth rate
- slow
- Height
- 2.5 m
- Spread
- 2 m
- Fertility
- Bees
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Bees
Uses
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Fruit - raw or cooked[10]. It is usually cooked[2]. An acid flavour but it is rather nice raw, especially when added to muesli or porridge[K]. Unfortunately, there is relatively little flesh and a lot of seeds[K]. A beverage has been made from the fruit[10]. The ovoid fruit is about 15mm long[5].
- Plant part
- Fruit
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The plant has been used as an aid for the gums[10]. The roots are bitter tonic, hepatic and laxative[10]. An infusion has been used to promote digestion[10]. Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Mahonia species, has marked antibacterial effects[8] and is used as a bitter tonic[7]. Since it is not appreciably absorbed by the body, it is used orally in the treatment of various enteric infections, especially bacterial dysentery[8]. It should not be used with Glycyrrhiza species (Liquorice) because this nullifies the effects of the berberine[8]. Berberine has also shown antitumour activity[8]. The root and root bark are best harvested in the autumn[7].
- Product or use
- Antibacterial
- Product or use
- Antitumor
- Product or use
- Bitter
- Product or use
- Hepatic
- Product or use
- Laxative
- Product or use
- Tonic
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
A yellow dye has been obtained from the roots[10]. A purple dye has been obtained from the fruit[10].
- Product or use
- Dye
Environment
- Range
- South-western N. America.
- Habitat
- Dry rocky places, especially in piñon-juniper woods, often in gravelly soils, 900 - 1500 metres in California[11][12].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 8+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse[13]. It usually germinates in the spring[K]. 'Green' seed (harvested when the embryo has fully developed but before the seed case has dried) should be sown as soon as it is harvested and germinates within 6 weeks[K]. Stored seed should be sown as soon as possible in late winter or spring. 3 weeks cold stratification will improve its germination, which should take place in 3 - 6 months at 10°c. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer and consider giving them some protection from the cold for their next winter. Division of suckers in spring[13]. Whilst they can be placed direct into their permanent positions, better results are achieved if they are potted up and placed in a frame until established[1]. Leaf cuttings in the autumn.
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Unlike most members of this genus, this species requires a dry, perfectly drained position in full sun, a gritty slightly acid soil is best[1][5]. It grows best on a sunny south facing wall in Britain[1] and does well in a hot, dry position[4]. It requires a position sheltered from strong or cold winds[6]. Plants are only hardy in the milder areas of the country, tolerating temperatures down to about -10°c[4]. Plants are slow-growing[6]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[5]. The flowers are refreshingly fragrant[9]. Some named forms have been developed for their ornamental value[3]. This species is often confused with M. trifoliolata, which differs in only ever having 3 leaflets per leaf[5].
References
Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00
Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169
Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2
Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30258-2
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Davis. B. Climbers and Wall Shrubs. Viking. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-670-82929-3
Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books 1980-00-00 ISBN 0-449-90589-6
Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-917256-20-4
Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994-00-00 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8
Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9
Ahrendt. Berberis and Mahonia. Journal of the Linnean Society, 57 1961-00-00
Munz. A California Flora. University of California Press 1959-00-00
Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00