Mahonia bealei, commonly known as Beale’s Barberry, is an evergreen shrub native to the forest understories and open woodlands of China. It typically grows to a height of 4-10 feet and a width of 3-8 feet. The plant features pinnate leaves with spiny leaflets and produces clusters of fragrant, bright yellow flowers in late winter to early spring, followed by blue-black berries that are attractive to birds. The flowers are quite showy and can add a splash of color to the garden when few other plants are in bloom.

Beale’s Barberry is valued for its winter interest, low maintenance, and the textural contrast its holly-like foliage provides in the landscape. It is used for foundation plantings, as a specimen or in groupings, and can be effective as a natural hedge or screen. It is also suitable for shady woodland gardens. This shrub prefers part shade to full shade, medium water, and can adapt to a range of soil types with varying drainage. It is drought-tolerant once established but should be sheltered from strong winds. While it can be propagated by cuttings or seeds, gardeners should be cautious as it can become invasive through suckering and seeding, especially in the mid-Atlantic and southeastern US. To prevent unwanted spread, remove suckers promptly and consider planting in contained areas or where naturalization is acceptable.CC BY-SA 4.0