Fruit bush ID

[Mac1]

I recently noticed this blackfruited bush growing at the end of my Conifer hedge. It has been reasonably fast growing and I am sure it flowers yellow - possibly with white - noticed in Spring.
I cannot identify it due to its waxy green hollybush shaped leaf (approx 2.5cm) and I would really like to know what it is to allow me to decide what to do with the fruits.
The fruits are deep powdery blue which contain many very dark oval seeds.
I had thought it was blackthorn/blackberry but the holly shaped leaf throws me.

I am chapping at the bit to make a gin from it or some jelly - but not sure.

Who can help?

Many thanks.

[scarey55]

Hello Mac1 and welcome to the vine.

I think you have Mahonia there but I'm not sure that you can eat the berries The flowers are usually yellow and smell divine and the leaves look a bit like holly. I would be very sure of what you have before you eat the berries or make them into anything as I have never heard of mahonia jam or wine
A lovely plant though all the same.

[Glutton4...]

Looks like a Mahonia to me. The berries are edible, but you'll have to have a 'Google' for more info, as my dinner is ready. Sorry!

Edit: You're quicker than me, Scarey!

[Jax]

Had a google for you and found a website for mahonia berry Jam

Mahonia Berry Jam Recipe

[scarey55]

Edit: You're quicker than me, Scarey!

It's nice (and unusual) for me to be able to help so I thought I'd best get in quick

[rustylady]

I beg to differ. I think what you have is a berberis. Image of mahonia here Google Image Result for http://www.henriettesherbal.com/files/images/photos/p08/mahonia-aquifolium-2.jpg The leaves are different to yours, I think.

[Jeanied]

I'm with RustyLady on this one - (mind you those berries are quite big for berberis but the leaves are identical - how enlarged is the photo?) - in which case the berries are poisonous.

I would not risk it.

[Glutton4...]

You need glasses Ladies!

Google 'Berberis' and you get something completely different.

My advice though - don't sit on either - they hurt! LOL

[Glutton4...]

Can you post a picture of the stem, Mac1? That should solve it (I hope!)

[rustylady]

You need glasses Ladies!

Google 'Berberis' and you get something completely different

I did google, and I've just done it again and come up with this one Google Image Result for http://woodbrooknativeplantnursery.com/images/sized/images/plants/MaA-berries-580x400.JPG So it looks like we may both be right. I know Mahonia as a different plant with large leaves.

[Glutton4...]

Oooh - the plot thickens!

[Jeanied]

Berberis is a very bushy shrub - leaves are small - less than an inch long. They tend to grow into a really tall bushy shrub which is very tangled inside.
Mahonia grows on long central stems - much less bushy - leaves are much larger. They tend to grow into a tall shrub which flops over.
Both of them prickly!
The flowers are different as well. IIRC Mahonia has longer flower spikes - little bells very similar to lily of the valley and sweetly scented - usually yellow to creamy colour. Berberis flowers are in little sprays -usually yellow to orangey colour.
*Brain now empty.

[purplekat]

I would say Berberis too don't know which one as there's loads - the colour of flowers, shape of branches and leaves tend to help ID . But I would guess at Berberis Darwinii (which as yellowy orange flowers)

As far as I know they're all edible (as are mahonia berries) but some are tastier than others - although they are laxative due to all the seeds inside so best not to eat too many - also if it's been bought from a garden centre it will have been grown as an ornamental and been sprayed with all sorts.

I grow berberis for the berries - they're called barberries

There's a few pics on here
Search Result

[donnakebab]

I thought Berberis had red berries. Looks like Mahonia to me as I have some in my garden. Often thought of making jelly from the berries. I'm no expert though.

[rustylady]

I thought Berberis had red berries.

Not necessarily. There are so many varieties of berberis. Darwinnii (sp?) has orangy/yellow flowers and purple berries.