Description

The red fruited mahonia is most commonly found in the US Southwest and northern Mexico. In California it grows in a few locations at high elevations in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. It grows as an upright shrub to about ten feet in its natural setting. The leaflets are lance shaped and spiny, ranging from blue-green to gray-green. Like many desert plants, the leaves of the red fruited mahonia have a thin film of wax which helps conserve water in their arid home. The small clusters of fragrant yellow flowers appear in spring, followed by red berries. Red fruited mahonia accepts a wide range of growing conditions, though a well-draining, sunny site seems best. It is tolerant of winter frost and occasional summer water.