Practical
Plants

Mahonia pinnata

California Barberry

a perennial woody evergreen member of the Mahonia genus in the family Berberidaceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Genus
Mahonia
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Height
1.8 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Edible uses

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

Fruit - raw or cooked[6][11][1][3]. An acid flavour but rather nice raw, especially when added to muesli or porridge[K]. Unfortunately, there is relatively little flesh and a lot of seeds[K]. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter[7].

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 bark is antirheumatic and febrifuge[10]. A decoction has been taken internally in the treatment of rheumatism, ague, consumption and heartburn[10]. A decoction has been used as a wash for cuts and bruises[10]. The liquid obtained from chewing the roots has been used as a salve and to prevent swelling from wounds and abrasions[10]. Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Mahonia species, has marked antibacterial effects[9] and is used as a bitter tonic[8]. Since it is not appreciably absorbed by the body, it is used orally in the treatment of various enteric infections, especially bacterial dysentery[9]. It should not be used with Glycyrrhiza species (Liquorice) because this nullifies the effects of the berberine[9]. Berberine has also shown antitumour activity[9]. The root and root bark are best harvested in the autumn[8].

Product or use
Antibacterial
Product or use
Antirheumatic
Product or use
Antitumor
Product or use
Febrifuge
Product or use
Laxative
Product or use
Salve
Product or use
Tonic

Material uses

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

A green dye is obtained from the roots[4]. Dark green, violet and dark blue-purple dyes are obtained from the fruit[4]. A green dye is obtained from the leaves[4].

Product or use
Dye

Environment

Range
South-western N. America - California, Mexico.
Habitat
Rocky exposed places and woody slopes below 1200 metres[14].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 7+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay, heavy clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
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[15]. 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[15]. 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[2]. Leaf cuttings in the autumn.

Cultivation

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

An easily grown plant, it thrives in any good garden soil[2][7]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Dislikes windy positions[12]. Prefers a shady sheltered position[12]. This species is not fully hardy in the colder parts of Britain[11]. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. Closely allied to M. aquifolium[13]. It hybridizes freely with other members of the genus. Most plants grown in gardens under this name are in fact hybrids[5]. Plants are resistant to honey fungus[16].

References

  1. Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976-00-00

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  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  3. Yanovsky. E. Food Plants of the N. American Indians. Publication no. 237. U.S. Depf of Agriculture.

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  4. Grae. I. Nature's Colors - Dyes from Plants. MacMillan Publishing Co. New York. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0-02-544950-8

    ↩1↩2↩3

  5. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

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  6. Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972-00-00 ISBN 0-486-20459-6

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

    ↩1↩2

  8. Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books 1980-00-00 ISBN 0-449-90589-6

    ↩1↩2

  9. Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-917256-20-4

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  10. Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  11. Simmons. A. E. Growing Unusual Fruit. David and Charles 1972-00-00 ISBN 0-7153-5531-7

    ↩1↩2

  12. Arnold-Forster. Shrubs for the Milder Counties.

    ↩1↩2

  13. Ahrendt. Berberis and Mahonia. Journal of the Linnean Society, 57 1961-00-00

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  14. Munz. A California Flora. University of California Press 1959-00-00

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  15. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩1↩2

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

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