This shrub has multiple branched woody stems that form a compact irregular rounded habit. It has spiny divided grey green leaves and the bright yellow cup-shaped flowers appear in a small dense cluster from early to mid spring followed by a red fruit.

Hardiness zones 8 to 11 

Mahonia nevinii is naturally found in North America growing in southern California in chaparral or in inland canyons and foothills where it is an endangered species with around 500 individuals remaining in the wild. It occurs from sea level to an altitude of 650 m (2,132 ft).

It grows in well-drained sandy to gravelly soils that are moderately fertile and prefers an open sunny position and is moderately frost and very drought tolerant. 

Nevin's Barberry is a grown for its dense bushy habit and colourful fruit. This is a rare plant is cultivated in small or arid gardens along borders for screening or as a specimen. It is suitable for coastal and inland regions establishing in 3-4 years and is moderately long-lived. It is an ideal sanctuary for small birds and is planted along pathways as a pedestrian barrier. It is moderately deer resistant. ID 3637

Mahonia (ma-HON-ee-a)  nevinii  (neh-VEE-nee-eye)

Berberidaceae (BER-be-rid-AY-see-ee)