Berberis higginsiae
Fremont's mahonia
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Family: Berberidaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 3.2
Berberis higginsiae (Fremont's mahonia) is a native California shrub in the Berberidaceae family, recognized by Peninsular Ranges endemic, yellow-red fruits drying black, folded leaflets.
Fremont's mahonia is a California native shrub found in the Peninsular Ranges in rocky slopes, pinyon and juniper woodland, and chaparral at elevations of 700 to 1,900 meters. Flowering from March to April, this plant produces yellow flowers in compact clusters on open inflorescences 3.5 to 6 centimeters long. Growing to 2 to 2.5 meters tall with an erect form, it features densely clustered branches with distinctive foliage. Its leaves are composed of 3 to 5 wavy, spiny leaflets that are strongly folded along the midrib, each leaflet 1.5 to 3.5 centimeters long with sharp, upturned margins and acute tips. The fruit is a nearly spherical, yellow-red berry approximately 6 to 8 millimeters in diameter, turning nearly black when dry.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 7 sympatric species; Peninsular Ranges endemic, yellow-red fruits drying black, folded leaflets
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky slopes, pinyon/juniper woodland, chaparral
Elevation: 700-1900 m
Outside California: northern Baja California
Bloom period
Berberis higginsiae blooms Mar-Apr.
Conservation status
CNPS 3.2
How to tell it apart
vs Quercus: Berberis has compound leaves or simple leaves with regular spiny teeth; Quercus has simple lobed leaves with irregular lobes.; vs Ilex: Berberis has compound leaves or alternate simple leaves; Ilex has only simple leaves that are spirally arranged.; vs Pyracantha: Berberis has yellow flowers and compound or simple spiny-edged leaves; Pyracantha has white flowers and simple leaves with thorns on stems.; vs Rosa: Berberis has yellow flowers with 6 petals; Rosa has pink-white flowers with 5 petals and compound leaves with paired leaflets.; vs Rhaphiolepis: Berberis has yellow flowers and spiny-toothed leaves; Rhaphiolepis has white-pink flowers and simple leaves with smooth or finely toothed edges.
Frequently asked questions
Is Berberis higginsiae native to California?
Yes. Berberis higginsiae is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Berberis higginsiae bloom?
Berberis higginsiae blooms Mar-Apr.
What plant family does Berberis higginsiae belong to?
Berberis higginsiae is in the Berberidaceae family, genus Berberis.
Is Berberis higginsiae rare or endangered?
Berberis higginsiae carries California Rare Plant Rank 3.2, state rank S1.
What habitat does Berberis higginsiae grow in?
Berberis higginsiae grows in Rocky slopes, pinyon/juniper woodland, chaparral.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-06
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.