Mahonia aquifolium is a dense and bushy evergreen shrub with 20 cm long pinnate leaves each with up to 9 leaflets.
It produces clusters of small yellow flowers in spring that mature to spherical, blue, berry like fruits that are edible and tasty, though a touch tart.
The glossy (Holly-like) foliage turns reddish in winter making for an excellent display.
It is quite hardy and will tolerate shade and makes an excellent filler in amongst taller trees, especially fir trees.