Japanese mahonia boasts glossy, pinnate leaves with spiny edges, resembling a holly and bearing fragrant yellow flowers followed by blue-black berries

Berberis japonica, also known as Japanese mahonia, is an evergreen shrub with distinctive, leathery leaves. Here's some information:

• Leaves:

  • Pinnate, meaning they have many smaller leaflets arranged in pairs along a central stem.
  • Dark green and glossy on the upper surface, paler beneath.
  • Sharply toothed or spiny on the edges, giving the plant a holly-like appearance.
    [Image of Berberis japonica leaves]

• Other features:

  • Produces clusters of bright yellow flowers in spring.
  • Followed by small, bluish-black berries.
  • Can grow up to 2 meters (7 feet) tall and 3 meters (10 feet) wide.

• Uses:

  • Landscaping - a popular ornamental shrub.
  • Edible berries, but can be very tart.
  • Traditional medicine, though it's important to consult a medical professional before using it.

Note: There's also a plant called Berberis thunbergii (Japanese barberry) that's sometimes confused with Berberis japonica. Japanese barberry is an invasive species in some regions, while Japanese mahonia is not usually considered invasive.

Ref.:

• https://gemini.google.com/