One of the first plants this year is already budding, makes me wonder if we are going to have an early spring. As this plant normally buds a month or two before I release my Mason bees. If the buds do get pollinated I should be getting a bunch of "Oregon Grapes". They are berries that grow on this bush. And when cooked down they make a tasty jam, similar to the flavor of cranberries and makes for a dark red spread. I like to eat it on toast but you can use it for whatever once cooked down.
I grew these bushes for many years before realizing you could make food form them. They are alot like hollies but the berries are edible when cooked. Not the same for most hollies. Being a Mahonia its similar but not the same.
 Camera Model | Lumix GH3 |
|---|---|
 Lens | Olympus MSC ED M. 60mm Macro lens |
 Filter | none |
 Aperture | f/13 |
 Shutter Speed | 1/100 sec |
 Film Speed | 1600 |
 Spectrum | Visual Light |
 Wavelength | 380 through 700 nanometers |
 Location | North Georgia USA. |
The little spires grow dozens of berries each, but I must be quick as the birds will take them if I let them ripen too much. I still have a month or two for them to form though so its not a worry at the moment.
The flowers are bright yellow and once open attract pollinators from all around. I will see Honey bees, Yellow jackets, Wasps and other insects feeding on them and helping the plant produce berries. My Mason bees love the plant too, since its one of the few early blooming flowers they like to feed on.
When I planted them about 5 or so years ago they were next to each other but then I moved one across the yard to a new spot with more space.
Being a member of the barberry family its unique compared to many of my other plants. Its leaves are leather like hence its name Leatherleaf Mahonia.
These are evergreens meaning they do not drop their leaves in the region where they live. I see them as native plants out in the forest so it would seem they have a local wild population as well. Many plants I grow are ones that grow locally, so I know they are good picks for here.
With its new place it grow its much happier. Before it was crowded next to the other Mahonia trying to grow as well.
Last year I moved them and one of them did not flower due to the shock. So glad to see it has now adjusted and formed many buds.
I hear they can get quite big, so curious now they have more space what they do with it. I think its going to spread out.