Fremont’s Mahonia

(Alloberberis fremontii)

Fremont’s Mahonia (Alloberberis fremontii)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Alloberberis fremontii, commonly known as Fremont’s Mahonia, is an evergreen shrub native to the chaparral and desert scrub communities of the Southwestern USA and Northwestern Mexico, particularly thriving in rocky and sandy soils. It typically grows to a height of 3-8 feet and a width of 3-7 feet. This plant features pinnate leaves with spiny leaflets and bears clusters of fragrant yellow flowers in the spring, which mature into blue-black berries that are attractive to birds and other wildlife. The flowers are moderately showy and are followed by decorative berries. The foliage may take on purplish hues in colder weather, adding to its ornamental value.

Fremont’s Mahonia is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to provide year-round interest with its evergreen foliage, fragrant flowers, and berries. It is suitable for xeriscaping, naturalistic plantings, and as a focal point in water-conserving gardens. It prefers full sun to partial shade and requires well-drained soils; it is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they are not waterlogged. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to rust and leaf spot diseases, and its spiny leaves may require careful handling during planting or maintenance.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 3-8 feet
  • Width: 3-7 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to chaparral and desert scrub communities

Other Names

Common Names: Freemont’s Barberry

Scientific Names: , Berberis fremontii, Berberis trifoliata, Mahonia fremontii, Alloberberis fremontii, Berberis higginsiae, Alloberberis higginsiae, Mahonia higginsae, Mahonia higginsiae, Berberis higginsae

GBIF Accepted Name: Alloberberis fremontii (Torr.) C.C.Yu & K.F.Chung