Mahonia haematocarpa
Mahonia haematocarpa
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Mahonia haematocarpa is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
36"–96" H × 36"–72" W
Bloom
Feb, Mar, Apr
Native to
NM
Pollinators
bees, hummingbirds
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
An evergreen desert shrub with spiny, holly-like blue-green leaflets, clusters of small yellow flowers in early spring, and red berries that ripen in summer.
In an HOA neighborhood
Mahonia haematocarpa is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: xeriscape bed, foundation planting, slope stabilization.
- spiny leaflets can catch on clothing near walkways
Wildlife value
Early-season flowers draw bees and hummingbirds, and the tart red berries are eaten by birds and small mammals through summer.
Common questions
- How much sun does Mahonia haematocarpa need?
- Mahonia haematocarpa grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Mahonia haematocarpa bloom?
- Mahonia haematocarpa blooms in February, March, and April.
- Where is Mahonia haematocarpa native?
- Mahonia haematocarpa is native to NM, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Mahonia haematocarpa attract?
- Mahonia haematocarpa draws bees and hummingbirds.
- Is Mahonia haematocarpa HOA-friendly?
- Mahonia haematocarpa is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Mahonia haematocarpa? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz