Mahonia moranensis, commonly known as Palo Amarillo, is an evergreen shrub native to the understory of pine-oak forests in Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) and a width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters), with a dense, upright habit. The plant features pinnate leaves with spiny leaflets that resemble holly, and its foliage can add textural interest to garden settings. The bright yellow flowers appear in dense clusters in late fall to winter and are quite showy, attracting pollinators. Following the flowering period, the shrub produces blue-black berries that are attractive to birds.

Palo Amarillo is valued for its year-round interest, provided by its evergreen foliage, winter blossoms, and subsequent berries. It is suitable for use in shaded borders, woodland gardens, and as an understory plant in larger landscapes. This shrub is adaptable to a range of light conditions from full sun to full shade and prefers well-drained soils. While it tolerates medium drainage, it thrives in moist, humus-rich soils. It is relatively low-maintenance but may require protection from intense afternoon sun in hotter climates. There are no major disease or pest issues, but it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0