This hybrid was created at NC State University by crossing Berberis aquifolium 'Golden Abundance', a western North American native, with the rare Mexican Berberis lanceolata. The combination brought together cold hardiness from the northern parent and the bold, architectural flowering habit of the Mexican species, resulting in a shrub hardy to zone 6 that produces billowing 12-inch panicles of golden flowers in late winter. It was named for Dr. J.C. Raulston, the first director of the NC State Arboretum, who had a particular passion for both Mahonia and Mexican flora — a fitting memorial.

The shrub is intentionally infertile and does not reseed, which addresses the invasiveness concerns that hang over several of its relatives. Single-node cuttings from firm wood root readily with moderate auxin treatment, making propagation accessible and sharing encouraged. Pruning is possible but should be timed carefully: flowers and subsequent fruit appear on old wood, so any significant cutting should happen immediately after bloom. For late-winter gardens in zones 6 to 8, few shrubs deliver this quality of golden color at this season with this level of reliability.