This is one of my favorite bushes, and they almost grow wild here. They're everywhere, and I never get tired of them. They never have to be trimmed, you just break off some of it and it's still so pretty. I have these all around, and oh, yes, the birds love those berries.
It's in the Barberry Family (Berberidaceae), one of only a few that grow in the southeastern states, but they all have their beauty: Mahonia (Oregon Grape), with its huge holly-like leaves and attractive flowers and berries, Nandina (Heavenly Bamboo) with its intricate leaves and very bright berry clusters, Berberis (Barberry) with its delicate, tiny flowers and often colorful leaves, and Podophyllum (May-Apple), with its secretive, drooping flowers. We had a little area at the end of the drive in Pittsboro planted with this whole set of cousin plants.
I have admired this every time we go to their house. I have has such a difficult time remember the name of this plant, and I have asked my daughter-in-law too many times, though she is always kind to let me know the name again. This time I made up a goofy story, said it aloud to her, and I now remember it. ; )
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