Can you please ID this fruit?

I recently noticed this blackfruited bush growing at the end of my Conifer hedge. It has been reasonably fast growing and I am sure it flowers yellow - possibly with white.
I cannot identify it due to its waxy green hollybush shaped leaf and I would really like to know what it is to allow me to decide what to do with the fruits.
The fruits are deep powdery blue which contain many very dark oval seeds.
I had thought it was blackthorn/blackberry but the holly shaped leaf throws me.

Who can help?

Many thanks.

 

It's a Mahonia, you're right about the yellow flowers and the fruit's edible.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahonia

 

Thanks - think you may have cracked it!

In your knowledge - can i use this fruit in the same way as I would a blackberry/blackcurrent for jelly/jam or even a gin?

The sharp flavour stated in your link may been softened by cooking it up in sugars?

 

Someone else may have experience with the fruit, I've only ever eaten the fruit off the plant so I wouldn't know but I can't see a reason why not. It's not my cup of tea though. Taste it first and see what you think.

Do a search on "Oregon Grape recipes". Here's a couple I found.

Mahonia Wine http://winemaking.jackkeller.net/reques84.asp

Wild Grape Jelly Recipe

3 lbs wild grapes, stemmed
3 cups water
4 1/2 cups sugar
1 (85 ml) package liquid pectin

In large saucepan, crush grapes with potato masher; pour in water and bring to boil.
Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes or until fruit is very soft.
Transfer to jelly bag or colander lined with a double thickness of fine cheesecloth and let drip overnight.
Measure juice (you should have 3 cups/750 ml) into a large heavy saucepan; stir in sugar.
Bring to boil over high heat, stirring constantly.
Stir in pectin.
Return to full boil and boil hard for one minute, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and skim off foam with a metal spoon.
Pour into sterilized jars, leaving 1/8 inch headspace.

 

Sorry it is not Mahonia.
It is Berberis. Probably Berberis darwinii.
See other thread in id forum.

http://www.gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/fruit-bush-id-t29289.html

 

Closely related though I believe.

 

Most definitely a Berberis (Barberry) rather than a Mahonia, though they are both in the same family (Berberidaceae) and both have edible (if extremely acidic & sharp) fruit.

 

That is very interesting. We have Mahonia growing in our garden but I didn't know that you could eat it. I might just try making some jam or jelly with it next time the berries are ripe.

 

It is NOT Berberis Darwinii, it is Mahonia Aquifolia.:gnthb:

 

Marley, the simple solution is, how long is the leaf?:gnthb: So, Mac, get measuring.