Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei)
INTRODUCED/INVASIVE.
Growing at the edge of a mixed forest.
Mahonia bealei was introduced from China to the US as an ornamental plant. It is considered invasive (especially in the southern US) as it is quickly taking over forested areas and competing with native species.
''Mahonia bealei'' is a shrub native to mainland China . The species has sometimes been regarded as the same species as ''Mahonia japonica,'' native to Taiwan, but the two differ consistently in certain floral and leaf characters. Both species are widely cultivated in many countries as ornamentals. ''Mahonia bealei'' has reportedly escaped cultivation and become established in the wild in scattered places in the southeastern United States from Arkansas to Florida to Delaware.
''Mahonia.. more
