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Berberis 'JC Raulston'

Previously known as:

  • Mahonia 'JC Raulston'
Phonetic Spelling
BER-ber-is
Description

A spectacular hybrid between two North American congeners: M. aquifolium ‘Golden Abundance’ and its rare Mexican counterpart, M. lanceolata (Odostemon lanceolatus, Berberis lanceolata). The result is a cold hardy, medium-sized shrub, with billowy plumes of golden flowers in late winter. This hybrid picked up its cold hardiness and smaller stature from its Occidentale mother and its Danza de los Voladores flair and tough constitution from its Mexicanum father.

Brilliant flowers are borne on 12″ long panicles. Cold hardy to USDA zone 6. Single-node cuttings root readily from firm wood with moderate auxin treatment. Does not reseed and is highly infertile. The shrub can be pruned, but keep in mind that next season's blossoms and fruit will appear on old growth. Developed at NC State University, this plant was named in honor of the late Dr. J.C. Raulston, the first director of the NC State University Arboretum (now the JC Raulston Arboretum). Dr. Raulston had a keen interest in both Mahonia and Mexican flora, so it is particularly fitting to name this plant after him. In further honor of J.C.’s legacy of sharing plants, please pass it along freely.
 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Plant Walls and Hedges
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#hardy#yellow flowers#nci#evergreen shrub
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#hardy#yellow flowers#nci#evergreen shrub
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Berberis
    Family:
    Berberidaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Edibility:
    Not poisonous, but berries contain berberine that can cause stomach upset, especially with children.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Texture:
    Coarse
    Appendage:
    Spines
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Available Space To Plant:
    6-feet-12 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Panicle
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Winter
    Flower Size:
    > 6 inches
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Leathery
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Shiny, spiky evergreen leaves
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Hedge
    Security
    Problems:
    Spines/Thorns