Mahonia aquifolium |
Native Region: Pacific Northwest
Zone Range: 5-8
Preferred Climate: Open forest; average well draining soil.
Harvest Date: Saturday 15 October, 2011
Seed count: 25-30
Description:
An evergreen shrub to 1.5 meters with glossy holly like leaves that sometimes turn reddish in winter depending on the site. Bright yellow flowers in spring are much sought after by humming birds and bees. In Autumn, tart blue fruit are borne in clusters resembling grapes. Loves humus rich soils.
Notes:
Co-evolved with our wacky west coast climate of winter wet and summer drought. Great wildlife plant providing nectar, pollen and fruit for many creatures. Established plants have a deep senuous root system and nearly all attempts at transplanting (other than those grown in containers) leads to plant death 99% of the time SO NEVER WILDCRAFT. Deer proof.
Cultivation:
Soak seed 24 hours. Use deep containers. Thinly sow seed 1 cm deep. Tamp surface firm. Keep moist and cold stratify for 90 days. Apply some bark mulch to the surface. Should germinate readily when exposed to spring like conditions after the cold stratification cycle. Slow grower.
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