This frequently planted ornamental small shrub from China is invasive and currently an uncommon component of understory forests in North Carolina. The thick evergreen leaves and growth habit make the plant easy to recognize. The leaves are slightly reminiscent of holly, but compound and not as prickly.

Durham, NC 3/28/07.

The slightly fragrant yellow flowers, produced in late winter or early spring, are followed by blue berries, which are quickly gobbled up and spread by birds.

Orange Co., NC 3/6/05.

Sometimes called Beale's Barberry (Mahonia is closely related to the barberries, Berberis) or "Oregon grape" (a vernacular name for the Mahonia aquifolium, which is native to the Pacific Northwest).

Durham, NC 3/28/07.

Bark detail.

Durham, NC 3/28/07.