Mahonia aquifolium Oregon-grape DD I
This introduction from North America is a favourite in parks and gardens from where it has escaped into the wild. Some varieties flower exceptionally early and in mild winters cultivars begin to flower in Autumn. The fruits are small and grape like hence the common name and the leaves are spinulose like Holly hence aquifolium.
M. aquifolium is found throughout England and much of east Wales. Record thin as you go north but there are records in Scotland up to the industrial belt after which they are few and far between. It is uncommon in Ireland.
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| Mahonia aquifolium Oregon-grape |
Sefton Coast, Birkdale, 8th February 2008
Added on February 10th 2005, updated 12th December 2010