Mahonia

  This mahonia is a welcome sight in the mid to late winter as it blossoms with bright yellow flowers, loved by bees at a time when few other plants are in flower. And a twofer, its berries are loved by birds, while deer and rabbits avoid it.  Its prickly leaves can serve as a barrier hedge as well. And evergreen gives it 3 stars.  Height to 7’, zone 6 to 9, Prefers moist, good soils.  Quite a few varieties (cultivars) from small bush to compact and low ground cover types.  Closely related to Berberis. 4 varieties are native to North America. Climate change may be more likely to spread in our region. After growing it here for 70 years, only two plants have appeared in over 400 acres of woods.

Family: Berberidaceae