Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is a hardy, versatile broadleaf evergreen shrub valued for its distinctive holly-like foliage, bright yellow spring flowers, and deep blue-black autumn berries. Grows in USDA Hardiness Zone 5 to 9.
Prefers acidic to neutral (5.0 to 7.0). Avoid overly alkaline soils, which cause the leaves to suffer from chlorosis (yellowing). Native to western North America, stretching widely across the Pacific Northwest from British Columbia down through northern California and eastward toward the Rocky Mountains.
Oregon Grape (M. aquifolium) typically reaches 3 to 8 feet tall with a spread of 2 to 5 feet. It thrives in partial shade to full shade, but can handle full sun if the soil stays adequately moist. In hot climates, avoid intense, direct afternoon sun to prevent foliage scorching. Requires well-drained soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types—including sand, loam, and heavy clay—as long as it does not sit in standing water or remain constantly waterlogged.
Oregon Grape has low to moderate water needs. It is quite drought-tolerant once fully established, though it benefits from regular watering during its first few growing seasons. It is highly recommended to plant it in a location sheltered from harsh winter winds to prevent its evergreen leaves from drying out or suffering from winter leaf burn.
The dusty-blue berries look like small grapes but are incredibly tart and sour when raw. However, because they are high in pectin, they make excellent jams, jellies, preserves, and pies when simmered with sugar. They can also be fermented into wine.
In the landscape, Oregon grape offer year round visual interest. It has bronze-tinted new spring growth, vibrant yellow flower clusters in spring, blue summer fruit, and a dramatic shift to deep reddish-purple foliage in the fall and winter.
Because of its spiny, sharp leaves, it is often massed together along property lines to serve as a natural, uninviting barrier or privacy hedge. The bright flowers open in late winter or early spring, providing a critical early-season source of nectar for native bees and hummingbirds. The dense clusters of tart autumn berries serve as an important food supply for local birds like robins, cedar waxwings, and towhees. Its tough, spiny leaves make the plant highly resistant to deer and rabbits.
The inner bark and roots contain a high concentration of berberine, a bright yellow alkaloid compound. Indigenous cultures and herbalists have historically used these roots to treat digestive ailments, while the roots and bark are still harvested today to make bright yellow natural dyes for textiles and basketry.
Available as:
2 yr old in 3 1/4 inch container.
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