Mahonia gracilis

Taxonomy and growth

Family

Berberidaceae

Genus

Mahonia

Life cycle

perennial

Foliage

evergreen

Woodiness

woody

Height

1.5 m

Fertility

Insects

Flower type

hermaphrodite

Pollinators

Insects

Uses

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The fruit of all members of the genus is edible either raw or cooked, though we do not know the quality of this species[K]. The ovoid fruit is produced in racemes and is up to 12mm long^[1].

Environment

Range

South-western N. America - Mexico.

Habitat

Dry ravines in open pine forests in limestone soils^[3].

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.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Unlike most members of this genus, this species requires a dry, well-drained soil in a shady position^[3]. It requires a position sheltered from strong or cold winds^[2]. Plants are only hardy in the milder areas of the country, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c when fully dormant^[3]. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Plants in this genus are resistant to honey fungus^[4].

Related plants

• Mahonia aquifoliumOregon Grape
• Mahonia bealei
• Mahonia confusa
• Mahonia flavida

References

1. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

   ↩

2. Davis. B. Climbers and Wall Shrubs. Viking. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-670-82929-3

   ↩

3. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 & 2 Pan Books, London. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-330-37376-5

   ↩1↩2↩3

4. RHS. The Garden. Volume 112. Royal Horticultural Society 1987-00-00

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