Beale's Barberry
Mahonia bealei
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
48"–96" H × 36"–72" W
Bloom
Feb, Mar, Apr
Native to
NC
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Mahonia bealei is a bold evergreen shrub with large, holly-like compound leaves and fragrant yellow flower clusters in late winter to early spring. The architectural foliage provides year-round structure, followed by blue-black berries that attract birds.
In an HOA neighborhood
Beale's Barberry takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Large mature size may exceed HOA plant size restrictions
- Spiny leaves can be considered unfriendly for pedestrian areas
- Non-native species may not meet native plant requirements
Wildlife value
Early spring blooms provide crucial nectar for bees and beetles when few other plants are flowering. The berries feed various songbirds throughout summer.
Common questions
- How much sun does Beale's Barberry need?
- Beale's Barberry grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Beale's Barberry bloom?
- Beale's Barberry blooms in February, March, and April.
- Where is Beale's Barberry native?
- Beale's Barberry (Mahonia bealei) is native to NC, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Beale's Barberry attract?
- Beale's Barberry draws bees and beetles.
- Is Beale's Barberry HOA-friendly?
- Beale's Barberry takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Beale's Barberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz