Found at Asheboro Zoo, NC

[Charlieyca]

Saw this shrub 5 or 6 times throughout the zoo. Never labeled and did not recognize the fruit. any guesses?

 

[Jeff H]

grape leaved holly. That's how I've always know them anyway. They have tiny yellow flowers in early Spring with a citrus aroma to them. The grapes usually mature in May and when the robins find them they won't last long. I've got 8 or 9 in my yard now with more popping up each year from the robin's deposits.
They are a great plant for placing in an area where you don't want anyone (dogs included)to go. The leaves are very prickly!

 

[Charlieyca]

Thanks for the quick ID. I had never seen a holly with berries that were that big or that color. Looked like small plums. Have never seem them advertised, but i assumed they were native since the zoo normally focuses on local and native fauna throughout the park.

 

[Jeff H]

any experience with it?

Yes, I just edited my original response.

 

[Jeff H]

Thanks for the quick ID. I had never seen a holly with berries that were that big or that color. Looked like small plums. Have never seem them advertised, but i assumed they were native since the zoo normally focuses on local and native fauna throughout the park.

Yes the berries are very large, especially for a holly. If you have one this year then you will have 4 or 5 next year compliments of the birds. Some people hate them for that reason. I like them since they feed the birds and keep their leaves through the winter. I just pick out the ones I don't want when they are still small.

 

[Charlieyca]

I dont have any on site, but like the looks of the plant. The few hollys I have are full size trees that do provide cover and food to songbirds, but not much for deer and turkey. If I stumble upon these in the wild, may be a place for them at my farm.

 

[kjgallaher]

Finally one I think I know! Looks like Mahonia bealei.
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/mahonia-bealei/
Regards,
Keith