Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei)

This evergreen shrub I saw during the summer as my son and I would take pictures on the trail behind our house. I actually thought it was holly but after some research discovered it wasn't at all. Leatherleaf Mahonia is native to mainland China but can be found in the wild throughout the Southeastern United States. It came to this country sometimes in the 1800's. It can grow 5 to 10 feet tall and is an invasive species. There are bright yellow flowers that bloom but as you can see in the pictures these have not opened yet. It's still winter and yes they bloom during this season. Only small buds are on there now. The fruit of this shrub is said to be edible and some make jellies from them. They also contain vitamin C but are full of seeds too.The berries will ripen sometime in the Spring. The leaves, roots and stems have been used medicinally. It is said to be Antibacterial, Anti-phlogistic, Anti-rheumatic, Anti-cancer, Depurative, Febrifuge and used as a Tonic . There are no known hazards but always be cautious and well informed before trying any plant as an edible or using them medicinally. Have expert advice and many resources to gain knowledge from. I love discovering God's creation and it amazes me what I've found in my little world. I hope you'll take time to discover what the Creator placed where you are.

Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei)

Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei)

Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei)

Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei)

Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei)

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

There are about 3 Eastern Red Cedars growing in our yard. They are large now but I can remember when they first began to grow. The one in the front yard grows next to a Sweet Gum tree and for some reason it was never pulled up. At one time we would decorate it with lights for Christmas. Now it's too big to try that. Some Eastern Red Cedars are grown and used for Christmas trees. It is native to and can be found throughout the Eastern United States and Canada. It was first observed in Roanoke Island, Virginia in 1564. The colonists used it for building furniture, cabins and fences. Birds and small animals eat the tiny blue fruit. They look like berries but they are cones and indicates the female tree.  The Eastern Red Cedar is not considered a true cedar either but is in fact a member of the Juniper family. It can grow to a height of 40 or 50 feet. The oldest Eastern Red Cedar is in Missouri and is said to be 795 years old ! In 2012 it became the state Evergreen tree for Tennessee. Native Americans used the berries in cooking and medicinally. It's still used in herbal medicine as a tea sometimes to treat coughs, respiratory conditions, bronchitis and as a antispasmodic. It's also used in treating pains, arthritis and as an antiseptic and more. It's said to be an anticancer agent called podophyllocotoxin.  The berries can be somewhat toxic though as other parts of the tree. Eating large quantities can cause diarrhea. Always remember to be cautious and well informed with many references before trying or using any plant medicinally. Other uses include moth repellent, insecticide and an essential oil can be obtained from the wood. The Eastern Red Cedar is just another discovery of what's in my yard and area where I live. I hope you'll take time to discover a magnificent Creator and His magnificent creation where you are. 

Eastern Red Cedar (female) (Juniperus virginiana)

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

Eastern Red Cedar berries called cones (Juniperus virginiana)

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

Eastern Red Cedar berries or cones (Juniperus virginiana)

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

Eastern Red Cedar (female) (Juniperus virginiana)

Nandina (Nandina domestica)

This Nandina shrub wasn't here when we moved in during the 1970's. Back in the 1990's my Daddy dug it up from the woods and we transplanted it to our yard. I later moved it again to where it's been now for a good many years. This evergreen shrub has beautiful red berries that always catch my eye this time of year. They remind me of the Christmas season. Nandina is native to Eastern Asia from the Himalayas to Japan. It was said to have been in the United States by the early 1800's and has become naturalized in the Southern United States. The berries can be toxic to cats and some grazing animals I've read. It's said to only cause low toxicity but the berries do contain alkaloids. One is nantenine. Nantenine is being used in research as a antidote to MDMA. My mother says she ate these berries as a child and didn't become sick eating them. She didn't eat large quantities but would eat a few at a time. She had no remembrance of feeling any different either. Most information I find lists them as nontoxic to humans. Although I have read that they were toxic. A little confusing right? Other parts of the plant also contain hydrocyanic acid which could be fatal if ingested. Interesting that hydrocyanic acid has been used in fumigating. Maybe we need more information then since there's some confusion over this shrub. I never see birds eating these berries and read there are studies saying it was harmful to them. In fact am I back to the question of toxic berries ? As for myself I don't think I want to try them if they do contain cyanide. Remember to be cautious and well informed. Have reliable expert information before trying any wild edible. Even in colder weather there are still so many things for me to discover about God's creation here. I hope you'll take time to know the Creator of everything and take a look around to discover His creation where you are. 

Nandina (Nandina domestica)

Nandina (Nandina domestica)

Nandina (Nandina domestica)

Nandina (Nandina domestica)

Nandina (Nandina domestica)

Nandina (Nandina domestica)