This is an archived copy of this article, recovered after a server failure in January 2022.

Some links may be broken, and editing is disabled. We are working to bring back full functionality.

Mahonia trifoliolata
  • Mexican Barberry

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

Niche
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The ecosystem niches for this plant are unknown. Do you know them? Click the edit button to add them!
Functions
  • Hedge
    Hedge
    There are no details available for this function.
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • no shade
    No shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral,alkaline
    Acid to Alkaline
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 7
    Zone 7
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Mahonia trifoliolata has 0 edible uses listed
Mahonia trifoliolata has 0 material uses listed
Mahonia trifoliolata has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Edible uses

Notes

Fruit - raw or cooked[1][2][3]. An acid flavour but nice, especially when added to porridges or muesli[K]. A subtle tart flavour, it is pleasant to eat raw[4]. Unfortunately there is relatively little flesh and a lot of seeds[K]. The fruit is also used to make preserves[5][4]. The roasted seed is a coffee substitute[5].

Unknown part

Coffee

Fruit

Unknown use

Material uses

A yellow dye is obtained from the inner bark of the stem and roots[6][7][5][8]. It is green according to another report[9].

An ink is made from the wood[6][7]. Dark green, violet and dark blue-purple dyes are obtained from the fruit[9]. A green dye is obtained from the leaves[9]. Makes a good hedge[5].

The wood is a source of tannin[6].

Unknown part

Dye
Ink
Tannin

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Mahonia species, has marked antibacterial effects[10] and is used as a bitter tonic[8][11]. Since it is not appreciably absorbed by the body, it is used orally in the treatment of various enteric infections, especially bacterial dysentery[10]. It should not be used with Glycyrrhiza species (Liquorice) because this nullifies the effects of the berberine[10]. Berberine has also shown antitumour activity[10]. The root and root bark are best harvested in the autumn[11].

Unknown part

Antibacterial
Antitumor
Tonic

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Hedge

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse[12]. 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[12]. 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[13].

Leaf cuttings in the autumn.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Mahonia trifoliolata. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Unlike most members of the genus, this species requires a dry, perfectly drained position in full sun, a gritty slightly acid soil is best[14]. It does well in a hot, dry position[15]. Succeeds in a good garden soil[13].

The form in general cultivation in Britain (M. trifoliolata glauca. I.M.Johnst.) comes from the southern part of its range[16], it is only hardy on a sunny wall in this country or as a free-standing shrub in the very mildest areas[2][13]. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. A good bee plant[5].

Resistant to honey fungus[17].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Mahonia trifoliolata. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Mahonia trifoliolata.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Mahonia trifoliolata
Genus
Mahonia
Family
Berberidaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[1][2][3][4][5]
Medicinal uses
[10][8][11]
Material uses & Functions
[6][7][5][8][9]
Botanic
[13][14][18]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Hedge
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
7
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
well drained
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    evergreen
    Herbaceous or Woody
    woody
    Life Cycle
    perennial
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    2 x meters
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    Bees
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type
    hermaphrodite











    References

    1. ? 1.01.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.2 Simmons. A. E. Growing Unusual Fruit. David and Charles ISBN 0-7153-5531-7 (1972-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.1 Harrington. H. D. Edible Native Plants of the Rocky Mountains. University of New Mexico Press ISBN 0-8623-0343-9 (1967-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.2 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.25.35.45.55.6 Vines. R. A. Trees of Central Texas. University of Texas Press ISBN 0-292-78958-3 (1987-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.26.3 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.17.2 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.18.28.3 Pesman. M. W. Meet Flora Mexicana. Dale S. King. Arizona. (1962-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.19.29.3 Grae. I. Nature's Colors - Dyes from Plants. MacMillan Publishing Co. New York. ISBN 0-02-544950-8 (1974-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.110.210.310.4 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.111.2 Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books ISBN 0-449-90589-6 (1980-00-00)
    12. ? 12.012.1 Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co (1948-00-00)
    13. ? 13.013.113.213.3 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
    14. ? 14.014.1 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    15. ? Holliday. I. and Hill. R. A Field Guide to Australian Trees. Frederick Muller Ltd. ISBN 0-85179-627-3 (1974-00-00)
    16. ? Ahrendt. Berberis and Mahonia. Journal of the Linnean Society, 57 (1961-00-00)
    17. ? RHS. The Garden. Volume 112. Royal Horticultural Society (1987-00-00)
    18. ? [Flora of N. America] ()


    Retrieved from "https://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Mahonia_trifoliolata&oldid=78551"
    Facts about "Mahonia trifoliolata"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familyBerberidaceae +
    Belongs to genusMahonia +
    Functions asHedge +
    Has common nameMexican Barberry +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has edible partUnknown part + and Fruit +
    Has edible useCoffee substitute + and Unknown use +
    Has fertility typeBee +
    Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
    Has hardiness zone7 +
    Has lifecycle typePerennial +
    Has material partUnknown part +
    Has material useDye +, Ink + and Tannin +
    Has mature height2 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useAntibacterial +, Antitumor + and Tonic +
    Has search namemahonia trifoliolata + and x +
    Has shade toleranceNo shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
    Has soil teclayture preferenceClay +
    Has soil teloamyture preferenceLoamy +
    Has soil tesandyture preferenceSandy +
    Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
    Has sun preferenceFull sun +
    Has taxonomy nameMahonia trifoliolata +
    Has water requirementsmoderate +
    Is deciduous or evergreenEvergreen +
    Is herbaceous or woodyWoody +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +