Mahonia, also known as Holly Grapes, are a group of evergreen shrubs native to the Pacific Northwest grown for their holly-like foliage and colourful blueish-purple berries. The berries are edible, but seldom used except to make jellies. Sprays of small yellow flowers, often scented, appear at various times of year depending on the species. The most common varieties include: the Oregon Holly Grape, Mahonia aquifolium, Mahonia nervosa and the Mahonia x media hybrids.
Mahonia do best in part to full sun, with some shelter from the hottest summer sun, and moist, fertile, well drained soils. Pruning is seldom necessary except to control size and shape.