Common names: Mahonia, barberry, desert holly
Scientific name: Berberis haematocarpa
Description: A relatively large evergreen shrub with glossy, sharp-pointed leaves. In spring, the mahonia produces bright yellow flowers, followed by small purple berries in mid-summer. In the fall, the leaves turn red and purple, and remain those shades through the winter.
Dye: Brilliant yellow from the roots and bark.
Other uses: edible berries.