Berberis aquifolium
Common Name(s):
Oregon Grape
Oregon Grape Holly
Synonym:
Mahonia aquifolium
Tall Oregon Grape
Flower:
Yellow
Blooms :
Apr
to:
May
Showy, fragrant bright yellow flowers bloom in terminal racemes
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
YES
Family:
Berberidaceae
Med - Lg Shrub (usually >3' and never < 1.5')
Foliage:
Dark Green
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.
Fall Color?
YES
Leaves may turn bronze to bright red-purple in winter, especially the latter if in cold areas in full sun.
Evergreen
Photo by:
Heading 6
Evergreen leaves, showy blue berries
Oregon Native?
YES
West State Native?
YES
Origins:
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 Northwest
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:
Annual spring mulch with well-rotted compost, leaf mold, or manure
Mulch:
Leaf mold or compost, shredded bark, pine needles, arborist wood chips
Prefers partial shade, thrives in nutrient rich well-drained loam, drought tolerant but in hot summers deep soak once per week, rejuvenate every few years by cutting older woody or damaged stems to the base in late winter or early spring, unless naturalizing remove suckers when they appear
Long Term:
Winter:
Shield from harsh winter elements, deeply water before ground freezes, make sure plant is mulched, prune in late winter
Spring:
Lightly prune immediately after flowering, water deeply once a week if rainfall is low, apply fertilizer, add fresh mulch
Summer:
Needs 1" water per week, needs shade from afternoon sun, mulch if not done in spring, can fertilize once in mid-summer
Fall:
Cut back watering to every 2 weeks, mulch, remove unwanted suckers, clean fallen leaves and debris
General Care Comments:
Site in locations protected from exposure to strong winds and full sun
Common Problems
Suckers readily
Diseases:
Leaf spots and rusts may occur.
Insects:
Aphids, scale, whiteflies, loopers
Environmental Problems:
Improperly sited plants may suffer from leaf scorch.
Pests:
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