Berberis aquifolium
Oregon Grape
Oregon Grape Holly
Tall Oregon Grape
Plant Family:
Berberidaceae
Med - Lg Shrub (usually >3' and never < 1.5')
Flower:
Yellow
Blooms :
Apr
to:
May
Showy, fragrant bright yellow flowers bloom in terminal racemes
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
Yes
Foliage:
Dark Green
Evergreen
Leaves alternate, compound pinnate (7-9 leaflets), 15-30 cm long, extremely stiff and leathery, spine-tipped along margin which is wavy having distinct troughs between spines, lustrous dark green above.
Oregon Native?
Yes
West State Native?
Yes
The genus Mahonia has now been included in the genus Berberis, hence the accepted name for Oregon Grape is Berberis aquifolium. However, in commercial horticulture these plants are still known as Mahonia. It is native to coniferous forests in Pacific Nor
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
5
Water Needs:
M
Sun Needs:
Partial Sun
Deer Resistant?
Yes
Firewise?
Yes
Height:
3-10'
Spread:
2' to 5'
Growth Rate:
Medium
Native Habitat:
Deep, conifer forests; open, rocky woods
Soil:
Moist, organically rich, acidic, well drained
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
Mulch:
Long Term:
Unless naturalizing remove suckers when they appear
Winter:
Spring:
Summer:
Fall:
Harvest berries in early fall
Common Problems
suckers readily
Diseases:
Leaf spots and rusts may occur.
Insects:
Aphids, scale, whiteflies, loopers
Also called: