North Carolina Wildflowers, Shrubs, & Trees

Berberidaceae > Mahonia

Native to China, Leatherleaf Mahonia is becoming an exotic invasive in North Carolina, spreading into woods & along edges near suburban areas.

Flowers bloom in late winter to early spring and are sweet-fragrant. Fruits ripen a few months later, resembling a bunch of dark blue/purple grapes, which are devoured by birds.

Leaves are compound with each leaflet bearing a few, widely spaced spiny teeth.