Mid-Atlantic Invaders Tool

Description

Appearance

Mahonia bealei is an evergreen shrub that can grow from 5-10 ft. (1.5-3 m) tall.

Foliage

Leaves are pinnately compound, 18 in. (46 cm) long, with 9-13 holly-like leaflets. Leaflets are 2-4 in. (5-10 cm) long and 1-2 in. (2.5-5.1 cm) wide.

Flowers

Flowering occurs in late winter and early spring, when fragrant, lemon-yellow flowers develop.

Fruit

The fruits are green berries, about 0.5 in. (1.3 cm) long, that turn bluish black with a grayish bloom. Fruits hang in grapelike clusters.

Ecological Threat

Mahonia bealei is native to China. It has been planted as an ornamental and is now invading woodlands in the southern United States.

Uses

Landscape Ornamental Use (GRIN): Yes

All Uses (GRIN): Ornamental

Distribution Map (EDDMapS)

Wetland Indicator

Summary: leatherleaf mahonia (Mahonia bealei) is a Terrestrial species.

Legend (data from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

OBL (Obligate wetland): Almost always occurs in wetlands (estimated probability > 99%) under natural conditions

FACW (Facultative wetland): Usually occurs in wetlands (estimated probability 67% - 99%), but occasionally found in non-wetlands

FAC (Facultative): Equally likely to occur in wetlands (estimated probability 34% - 66%) or non-wetlands

FACU (Facultative upland): Usually occur in non-wetlands (estimated probability 67% - 99%), but occasionally found in wetlands (estimated probability 1% - 33%)

UPL (Obligate upland): Occur almost always (estimated probability > 99%) in non-wetlands under natural conditions

Taxonomic Rank

Resources

• A Field Guide for the Identification of Invasive Plants in Southern Forests - USDA Forest Service
• Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas - National Park Service
• Invasive Plant Alert - National Park Service
• Invasive Species of Concern in Maryland - Maryland Invasive Species Council (MISC), USDA APHIS PPQ