That looks like a Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon Grape). I grew several from seed, and I gave them away to a lady in our community who landscapes along sidewalks. If so, the little fruits (they are dark blue or purplish) are delicious (but not really in a very sweet sense), but unless you want the runs, spit out the seeds unchewed as they are laxative, or save them and grow them like me!
RE: nature