Invasive Plant Factsheet
Sometimes called Leatherleaf Holly, this distinctive evergreen shrub was introduced in the mid-1800s as an ornamental. Although still a popular landscape plant, it has increasingly spread into woodlands from Maryland to Florida, including in Rock Creek and Wolf Trap parks, and is now classified as invasive. It is on Arlington County’s list of invasive plants.
Native Alternatives
Evergreen replacements with fruit:
- Ilex glabra (Inkberry)
- Ilex opaca (American Holly)
Deciduous replacements with fruit:
- Aronia arbutifolia (Red Chokeberry)
- Ilex verticillata (Winterberry)
- Vaccinium corymbosum (Highbush Blueberry)
- Viburnum nudum (Possum-haw)
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Downloadable Print Version (Legal Size):
Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei)
