Maquei: A Chilean Shrub Making Itself at Home in California
Looking for an unusual fruiting shrub that can handle California’s dry summers? Meet maquei (Aristotelia chilensis), a Chilean native that’s quietly establishing itself in the Golden State. This perennial shrub brings small purple berries and understated charm to gardens willing to embrace something a little different.
What is Maquei?
Maquei is a multi-stemmed woody shrub that typically grows 13-16 feet tall, though it can vary depending on growing conditions. As a perennial, it comes back year after year, developing a bushy growth habit with several stems arising from near the ground. Don’t let the scientific name Aristotelia chilensis intimidate you – this is simply a reference to its Chilean origins.
Where Does Maquei Grow?
Originally from Chile and western Argentina, maquei has found a new home in California, where it reproduces on its own in the wild. It’s considered a non-native species that has naturalized in the state, meaning it can survive and spread without human intervention.
Garden Appeal and Landscape Role
Maquei offers several attractive features for the home gardener:
- Small white flowers that attract pollinators
- Purple berries that add color and interest
- Simple oval leaves for a clean, understated look
- Drought tolerance once established
- Low maintenance requirements
This shrub works well as an ornamental specimen, a naturalized landscape element, or even for small-scale fruit production. It’s particularly suited for Mediterranean-style gardens and drought-tolerant landscapes where water conservation is a priority.
Growing Conditions and Care
Maquei is surprisingly adaptable and relatively easy to grow in the right conditions:
- Climate: Thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8-10
- Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained soil is essential
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, but appreciates regular water during establishment
- Maintenance: Minimal pruning needed, generally low maintenance
Should You Plant Maquei?
While maquei can be an interesting addition to the right garden, it’s worth considering that it’s not native to California. If you’re passionate about supporting local ecosystems, you might want to explore native alternatives first. California has many wonderful native shrubs like manzanita (Arctostaphylos species), ceanothus, or native currants and gooseberries (Ribes species) that provide similar benefits while supporting local wildlife.
That said, if you’re drawn to maquei’s unique characteristics and Mediterranean garden appeal, it can be grown responsibly. Since its invasive status isn’t well-documented, monitor its spread in your garden and consider removing any volunteer seedlings that appear beyond where you want them.
The Bottom Line
Maquei offers an interesting option for gardeners seeking drought-tolerant shrubs with edible fruit and pollinator appeal. While it’s not native to California, it’s found a niche in the state’s diverse landscapes. Whether you choose to grow it or opt for native alternatives, the key is thoughtful gardening that considers both your aesthetic goals and environmental impact.
