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Mahonia aquifolium

Oregon Grape

Plant photo of: Mahonia aquifolium
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Information by: W-E Plants for the Willamette Valle        Photographer: Jerry Sortomme SBCC

 

Description

This Oregon native is an evergreen broadleaf shrub that reaches 4-5' tall and wide. This shrub is upright although it can get leggy. Dark green, glossy, stiff and leathery leaves have spines along margins. Foliage may turn bronze-burgundy during winter. Bright yellow flowers appear in spring, followed by blue-black berries in summer. Birds love the berries. This shrub does well in full or part sun with moist, acidic, well-draining soil. It does not tolerate hot areas such as parking strips or parking lots as well as drying winds. Prune about one third of older stems back to 6" long stems so plant will be refreshed with new growth. This is the state flower of Oregon. Many cultivars now available.

 

Plant Type

Broadleaf Evergreen, Shrub

Height Range

3-6', 6-12'

Width Range

3-6'

Flower Color

Yellow

Flower Season

Spring

Leaf Color

Dark Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

Black, Blue

Fruit Season

Summer

Sun

Full, Half

Water

Medium

Growth Rate

Moderate

Soil Type

Sandy, Loam, Rocky

Soil Condition

Average, Well-drained, Moist

Soil pH

Acid

Adverse Factors

Thorns/Spines

Design Styles

Meadow, Woodland

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Silhouette, Unusual Foliage

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

Location Uses

Entry, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, Walls / Fences, With Rocks

Special Uses

Container, Erosion Control, Filler, Hedge, Screen, Mass Planting

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Water Saving Tip:

Water between sunset and sunrise when temperatures and wind are the lowest.