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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Mahonia swaseyi is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Plant Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses: Coffee
Fruit - raw but more usually cooked in preserves[183]. Pleasantly acid, it can also be dried and used as raisins[183]. Unfortunately, there is relatively little flesh and a lot of seeds[K]. The fruit, which can be dry or juicy, is up to 15mm in diameter[183, 270]. The roasted seed is a coffee substitute[183].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antibacterial Antitumor Dysentery Tonic
Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Mahonia species, has marked antibacterial effects[218] and is used as a bitter tonic[213]. Since it is not appreciably absorbed by the body, it is used orally in the treatment of various enteric infections, especially bacterial dysentery[218]. It should not be used with Glycyrrhiza species (Liquorice) because this nullifies the effects of the berberine[218]. Berberine has also shown antitumour activity[218]. The root and root bark are best harvested in the autumn[213].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Unlike most members of the genus, this species requires a dry, perfectly drained position in full sun, a gritty slightly acid soil is best[200]. It does well in a hot, dry position[200] and grows best on a sunny south facing wall[11]. It requires as sunny a position as possible[11, 200]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[200]. This plant has been recommended for improvement by selection and breeding as an edible fruit[183]. Closely related to M. haematocarpa, differing mainly in having broadly ovate bracts up to 8mm long[11]. It is also closely related to M. nevinii[200].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).
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Plant Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse[78]. It usually germinates in the spring[K]. 'Green' seed (harvested when the embryo has fully developed but before the seed case has dried) should be sown as soon as it is harvested and germinates within 6 weeks[K]. Stored seed should be sown as soon as possible in late winter or spring. 3 weeks cold stratification will improve its germination, which should take place in 3 - 6 months at 10°c. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer and consider giving them some protection from the cold for their next winter. Division of suckers in spring[78]. Whilst they can be placed direct into their permanent positions, better results are achieved if they are potted up and placed in a frame until established[11]. Leaf cuttings in the autumn.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Range
NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Texas (c.))
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
| Related Plants
|
| Latin Name | Common Name | Habit | Height | Hardiness | Growth | Soil | Shade | Moisture | Edible | Medicinal | Other |
| Mahonia aquifolium | Oregon Grape, Hollyleaved barberry, Oregon Holly Grape, Oregon Holly | Shrub | 2.0 |
4-8
| F | LMH | FSN | DM | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Mahonia bealei | Beale's barberry, Leatherleaf Mahonia | Shrub | 2.0 |
5-8
| S | LMH | FSN | M | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Mahonia confusa | | Shrub | 1.5 |
6-9
| | LMH | FS | M | 3 | 2 | |
| Mahonia flavida | | Shrub | 2.0 |
7-10
| | LMH | FSN | M | 2 | 0 | |
| Mahonia fortunei | Fortune's Mahonia | Shrub | 2.0 |
7-9
| S | LMH | FSN | M | 3 | 2 | |
| Mahonia fremontii | Mahonia, Fremont's mahonia | Shrub | 2.5 |
7-10
| S | LMH | N | DM | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Mahonia ganpinensis | | Shrub | 0.0 |
-
| | LMH | SN | M | 1 | 2 | |
| Mahonia gracilipes | | Shrub | 1.5 |
6-9
| | LMH | FS | M | 2 | 2 | |
| Mahonia gracilis | Mexican Barberry | Shrub | 1.5 |
7-10
| | LMH | N | DM | 2 | 0 | |
| Mahonia haematocarpa | Mexican Barberry, Red barberry | Shrub | 3.6 |
7-10
| | LMH | N | DM | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Mahonia japonica | | Shrub | 2.0 |
5-9
| | LMH | FSN | M | 3 | 2 | |
| Mahonia lomariifolia | Chinese hollygrape | Shrub | 5.0 |
8-9
| M | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Mahonia napaulensis | | Shrub | 2.5 |
5-9
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Mahonia nervosa | Oregon Grape, Cascade barberry | Shrub | 0.6 |
5-9
| S | LMH | FSN | DM | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Mahonia nevinii | Nevin's barberry | Shrub | 2.4 |
7-10
| | LMH | N | DM | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Mahonia pinnata | California Barberry, Wavyleaf barberry, Island barberry, Creeping Holly Grape | Shrub | 1.8 |
7-8
| F | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Mahonia pumila | Dwarf Barberry | Shrub | 0.3 |
6-9
| S | LM | SN | DM | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Mahonia repens | Creeping Oregon Grape, Creeping barberry, Grape Oregon | Shrub | 0.3 |
4-8
| S | LMH | SN | DM | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Mahonia trifoliolata | Mexican Barberry, Algerita | Shrub | 2.0 |
6-9
| | LMH | N | DM | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| Mahonia x media | | Shrub | 2.0 |
6-9
| | LMH | FSN | M | 3 | 2 | 0 |
|
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
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Author
(Buckley.)Fedde.
Botanical References
11270
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