Dwarf Barberry

Mahonia pumila

Basic Information

Family: Berberidaceae

Genus: mahonia

Plant ID (slug): mahonia-pumila

Numeric ID: 21846

USDA Hardiness: 6-9

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Mahonia pumila is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 2 m (6ft 7in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. 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 Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

South-western N. America - California and southern Oregon.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked. We have seen no reports of edibility for this species, but it is certainly not poisonous. The fruit is likely to have an acid flavour and be suitable for making jams. jellies etc. The fruit is about 10mm in diameter[200].

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Antitumor Blood tonic Dysentery Tonic A decoction of the roots is used as a blood tonic and as a treatment for coughs[257]. 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].