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mahonia (Oregon grape-holly)

Plant

  • Small to medium shrub
  • Broad-leaved evergreen
  • Often mistaken for holly

Twig

  • Alternate leaf arrangement
  • Compound leaves

Leaf

  • Large, 6-12" long
  • Alternate, compound
  • 5-9 leaflets per leaf
    • 1½-3½" long
    • Sessile (no stalk)
    • Spiny-toothed edges

Flower

  • Small, 2-3" long clusters
  • Bright yellow

Fruit

  • Small, ⅓-½" long
  • Blue to blackish berry with white waxy surface