Nevin's barberry (Mahonia nevinii)

Family: Berberidaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Mahonia nevinii is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2.4 m (7ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Late Summer, Fall

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour with a firm but juicy texture, it is rather nice raw, especially when added to muesli or porridge. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; The red fruit has an acid lemony flavour with a firm but juicy texture, it is rather nice raw, especially when added to muesli or porridge.; Unfortunately, there is relatively little flesh and a lot of seeds.; The fruit can be up to about 6mm in diameter, though on specimens we have seen fruiting in Britain the fruit is only 3mm in diameter.

Habitat & North American Range

Sandy and gravelly places in sage bush scrub or chaparral. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)