Oregon Grape

Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is an evergreen shrub native to western North America, named for its grape-like clusters of blue fruit and its prominence in Oregon, where it is the state flower.

It forms an upright, suckering clump of glossy, spiny compound leaves that resemble holly and often flush bronze or red in cold weather. Fragrant yellow flowers appear in spring, followed by powdery blue berries.

Prized for shade tolerance, deer resistance and four-season interest, it is a dependable shrub for woodland gardens and difficult shady sites.

• Leaves: compound (pinnate) with 5 to 9 glossy, holly-like leaflets bearing spiny-toothed margins; evergreen, turning bronze-purple in winter
• Flowers: dense clusters of small, fragrant bright yellow flowers in early spring
• Fruit: clusters of dusty blue-black berries with a waxy bloom
• Habit: upright, suckering evergreen shrub, typically 3 to 6 ft tall
• Stems: inner wood is bright yellow

Prefers part to full shade, especially protection from drying winter sun and wind.

• Water: moderate; tolerant of some drought once established
• Soil: humus-rich, well-drained, slightly acidic; adaptable
• Temperature: cold hardy, USDA zones 5 to 8
• Feeding: light mulch and occasional feeding; generally low-maintenance
• Pruning: remove old or leggy canes at the base after flowering to renew the clump
• Propagation: seed, division of suckers, or semi-hardwood cuttings

Native to the Pacific Northwest of North America, from British Columbia south through Oregon and into northern California, growing in coniferous and mixed forest understory.

It is well adapted to dappled woodland shade. Widely cultivated as an ornamental across temperate regions and naturalized in parts of Europe.