skip to main content

Wildlife Garden

mahonia -- good or evil?

16 years ago

I have 2 mahonia (oregon grape holly) bushes. I'm considering removing them.

In their favor, they offer nectar and berries much earlier than any other plant around here, helping wildlife through later winter and early spring. (I'm in NC, btw.)

On the other hand, their unbelievably spiky leaves hide in the mulch underneath them and spear me through the fingertip whenever I innocently touch the ground anywhere within twenty feet of the shrubs, thus painfully ending all attempts at gardening for the day. I've been pricked by thorns before, and I can handle a fair amount of pain, but these things bring me to tears!

I've always wondered whether thorns in general do more harm than good for wildlife, especially anything with thin fur or thin feathers or soft paw pads. The shelter from predators versus the slow pain of infected stabbings, you know. But these mahonia leaves could stab through the thickest fur or hardest paw pad, I think.

Any thoughts?

Comments (2)

maifleur01
16 years ago
1. mahonia is not a native to your area.
2. If not native no reason to keep plant if you want to plant natives.
3. Animals are more aware of their surroundings except when frighten or in season. They are less apt to blunder into the thorns. Most do not have soft paws.
4. Some birds use thorns to hold prey until they are ready to eat.
Iris GW
16 years ago
Mahonia bealei is invasive and if that is the one you have then you should remove it. The native mahonia (Mahonia aquifolium) is from Oregon and is much better behaved. You can visually tell the difference if you look up pictures.

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Mahonia Aquifolium for Birds

By Debbie Ballentine

Oregon grape puts on a bold spectacle from spring through winter and is ideal to brighten partly shady corners in the U.S. West

COMMUNITY Simple Acts: The Unsung Power of a Good Neighbor

By Alison Hodgson

There are many ways to be a good neighbor, and they're often easier than you think

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Bid Bad Garden Bugs Goodbye and Usher In the Good

By Matt Kilburn

Give ants their marching orders and send mosquitoes moseying, while creating a garden that draws pollinators and helpful eaters

HEALTHY HOME 16 Ideas for a Healthy, Feel-Good Home

By Laura Gaskill

Making these small tweaks and bigger shifts at home can help you thrive everywhere you go

PETS 15 Doggone-Good Tips for a Pet Washing Station

By Becky Harris

Turn a dreaded chore into an easier task with a handheld sprayer, an elevated sink or even a dedicated doggie tub

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Living the Good Life, Lowcountry Style

By Between Naps on the Porch

Peek inside a South Carolina home designed for comfort, livability and style

DECORATING GUIDES Holy Creativity, Batman!: Comic Strip Decor for Real Life

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

The evil villains of uninspired design don't stand a chance against these doldrum-fighting superheroes

LIFE If You Could Talk to Your House, What Would You Say?

By Sheila Schmitz

‘Pull yourself together’ or ‘thank you for transforming my life’? Notes to homes around the country hit us where we live

LIFE 6 Ways to Beat the Winter Blahs

By Alison Hodgson

Snow and dark days dampening your spirits? These ideas will have you looking on the bright side

FEEL-GOOD HOME Rejuvenate Your Home With Deep-Rooted Traditions

By Apartment 46 for the Home

Give the subtle energies and spiritual side of your home some attention, and watch newfound calm and beauty blossom

Sponsored

Dave Fox Design Build Remodelers

49 Reviews

Columbus Area's Luxury Design Build Firm | 17x Best of Houzz Winner!

More Discussions

Two new species at feeder!

2

Starlings and grackles have discovered my feeders, are decimating suet

0