Prefers full sun to partial shade. Drought tolerant, but prefers some summer water. Go toward golf course, turn left at Ceanothus 'Foster Blue' sign. Has a low spreading habit. Leaves are pinnately compound with 2 to 3 pairs of leaflets.
Leaflets are spiny.
Dull bluish green foliage color in summer and may turn bronze color in winter. Yellow flowers later than other Mahonia spp. Blue grape like fruit. Good small border plant, foreground massing, under taller Mahonias, accent plant in small detail garden. Use as ground cover in informal situations.