Texas Mahonia, Texas barberry

Mahonia swaseyi

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.

Distribution

South-western N. America.

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].

Medicinal Uses

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].

Known Hazards

None known