Hollinshead Water-wise Garden Plants

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Photo:

Pat Kolling

Oregon Grape

Oregon Grape Holly

Tall Oregon Grape

Latin Name:

Berberis aquifolium

Oregon State Flower; evergreen shrub with conspicuous yellow flowers in the spring and edible blue black berries in late summer.

Taxon ID#

57 MAINTENANCE

Maintenance Level:

Low

Min. USDA Hardiness Zone:

5 Sun Preference:

Partial Sun

Water Preference:

M

Soil Preference:

Moist, organically rich, acidic, well drained

Fertilizer Needs:

Recommended Mulch:

Family:

Berberidaceae

Origins:

Plant Type:

Med - Lg Shrub (usually >3' and never < 1.5')

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

Oregon native:

yes

Western state native:

yes

PLANT DESCRIPTION

Foliage Color:

Dark Green

Foliage Description:

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.

Fragrant:

yes

Predominant flower color:

Yellow

Flower Description:

Showy, fragrant bright yellow flowers bloom in terminal racemes

Fall color:

yes

Fall Color Description:

Leaves may turn bronze to bright red-purple in winter, especially the latter if in cold areas in full sun.

Winter Foliage:

Evergreen

Winter Interest:

yes

Winter Interest Description:

Evergreen leaves, showy blue berries

Mature height:

3-10'

Mature spread:

2' to 5'

Growth rate:

Medium

LANDSCAPE APPLICATION

Deer Resistant:

yes

Fire Resistant:

yes

Attracts Pollinators:

yes

Attracts Butterflies:

yes

Native Habitat:

Deep, conifer forests; open, rocky woods

Attracts Birds:

yes

Cut/Dried Flowers:

no

Photo:

Used by Wildlife:

yes

Hedge/Screen:

yes

Swales:

no

Wildlife Use:

Birds eat the berries

Border:

yes

Erosion Control:

yes

Windbreak:

no

Cover Structures:

no

Ground Cover:

no

Provides Shade:

no

Rock Garden:

no

Adds Texture/Movement:

no

First Bloom:

Apr

Last Bloom:

May

Ornamental Accent:

yes

Garden Observations:

SEASONAL CARE

Spring Care:

Summer Care:

Fall Care:

Harvest berries in early fall

Winter Care:

Long Term Care:

Unless naturalizing remove suckers when they appear

Insect Pests:

Aphids, scale, whiteflies, loopers

Wildlife Pests:

Diseases:

Leaf spots and rusts may occur.

Environmental Problems:

Improperly sited plants may suffer from leaf scorch.

Landscape Problems:

Suckers readily

Care Comments:

Site in locations protected from exposure to strong winds and full sun

RESOURCES

OSU Landscape Profile:

https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/mahonia-aquifolium

USDA Plants:

https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=MAAQ2

Calscape Database:

https://calscape.org/Berberis-aquifolium-(Oregon-Grape)?srchcr=sc5fa5b8b99952a

LBJ Native Plant Database:

https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MAAQ2

Missouri Botanical Garden Database:

https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c291

Hollinshead Water-wise Garden Plants

Photo:

Pat Kolling

Oregon Grape

Oregon Grape Holly

Tall Oregon Grape

Latin Name:

Taxon ID#

57

MAINTENANCE

Low

Min. USDA Hardiness Zone:

5

Sun Preference:

Partial Sun

Water Preference:

M

Soil Preference:

Moist, organically rich, acidic, well drained

Fertilizer Needs:

​

Recommended Mulch:

​

Family:

Origins:

Plant Type:

Med - Lg Shrub (usually >3' and never < 1.5')

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

Oregon native:

yes

Western state native:

yes

PLANT DESCRIPTION

Foliage Color:

Dark Green

Foliage Description:

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.

Fragrant:

yes

Predominant flower color:

Yellow

Flower Description:

Showy, fragrant bright yellow flowers bloom in terminal racemes

Fall color:

yes

Fall Color Description:

Leaves may turn bronze to bright red-purple in winter, especially the latter if in cold areas in full sun.

Winter Foliage:

Evergreen

Winter Interest:

yes

Winter Interest Description:

Evergreen leaves, showy blue berries

Mature height:

3-10'

Mature spread:

2' to 5'

Growth rate:

Medium

LANDSCAPE APPLICATION

Deer Resistant:

yes

Fire Resistant:

yes

Attracts Pollinators:

yes

Attracts Butterflies:

yes

Native Habitat:

Deep, conifer forests; open, rocky woods

Attracts Birds:

yes

Cut/Dried Flowers:

no

Photo:

​

Used by Wildlife:

yes

Hedge/Screen:

yes