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Oregon Grape
Mahonia aquifolium



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I have a mahonia. A slightly different variety than these. I have never seen it bloom or fruit but it obviously did while I was not paying attention because a few feet away I have a baby started.

Could it be a Mahonia repens?
Creeping Mahonia is low growing (1 ft. tall and spreads to 3 ft.) and has duller, bluish green foliage that turns purplish in the winter.
They are native from northern Mexico all the way to southern BC.
From what I read, it is possible that yours might bloom as early as in December...

No mine is an uptight version. It is stiffer than the aquifolium you have pictured with a regular trunk. I love it because it stays tidy. But I don't have it where I have to pass by it or touch it very often because it is uncomfortably prickly. I am not fond of prickles.
I have had aquifolium on a hillside and they are more weeping than my taller shrub type.