Wavyleaf barberry (Mahonia pinnata)

At a glance

Lifecycle: Perennial (hardy)
Exposure: Full sun
Frost limit: −17.8 °C

Cultivation

An easily grown plant, it thrives in any good garden soil. This species is not fully hardy in the colder parts of Britain. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. Closely allied to M. aquifolium. It hybridizes freely with other members of the genus. Most plants grown in gardens under this name are in fact hybrids. Plants are resistant to honey fungus.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. 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 the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer and consider giving them some protection from the cold for their next winter. Division of suckers in spring. Leaf cuttings in the autumn.

Edible uses

Fruit - raw or cooked.

Medicinal uses

The bark is antirheumatic and febrifuge. Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Mahonia species, has marked antibacterial effects.

Material uses

A green dye is obtained from the roots. Dark green, violet and dark blue-purple dyes are obtained from the fruit. A green dye is obtained from the leaves.