Mahoberberis aquisargentii

At a glance

Lifecycle: Perennial (hardy)
Exposure: Full sun
Frost limit: −23.3 °C

Cultivation

Succeeds in most soils in sun or shade. Plants only flower and fruit after a long warm growing season. Plants are reputedly immune to rust.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. It usually germinates in the spring[K]. 'Green' seed (harvested when the embryo has fully developed but before the seed case has dried) should be sown as soon as it is harvested and germinates within 6 weeks[K]. Stored seed should be sown as soon as possible in late winter or spring. 3 weeks cold stratification will improve its germination, which should take place in 3 - 6 months at 10°c. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. This species is a bi-generic hybrid and, if seed is produced, it is very unlikely to breed true. Wounded nodal semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn.

Edible uses

The fruit is almost certainly edible, but we do not know what its quality is[K].

Medicinal uses

Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Berberis and Mahonia species, has marked antibacterial effects. Since it is not appreciably absorbed by the body, it is used orally in the treatment of various enteric infections, especially bacterial dysentery.

Material uses

The plant has viciously spiny leaves and makes a good boundary shrub.

Habitat

Not known in the wild.

Native range

A bi-generic hybrid of garden origin, Mahonia aquifolia x Berberis sargentii.