WSU Clark County Extension
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Oregon Grape

Scientific name: Mahonia aquifolium
Taxonomy
Family:Berberidaceae
Type:Evergreen shrubs
Native:YES
Plant Requirements
Zone:5 to 9
Sun:Partial shade
Moisture:Dry
Plant Characteristics
Height:10 ft
Width:5 ft
Bloom:Showy flowers
Bloom Time:April to May
Bloom Color:Yellow
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Oregon Grape is the state flower of Oregon, best known for its production of blue-black berries which somewhat resemble clusters of grapes.

  Morphology:
Oregon Grape is an evergreen shrub which can grow to a height of 7’-10’ and up to 5’ wide. It does not have a well defined shape and often forms scraggly clumps. Leaves are arranged in an alternate fashion and are pinnately compound. Leaves can be up to 12” long, each consisting of 7-13 leaflets. They are stiff and leathery in texture, with a dark green upper surface during the summer and a bright red-purplish color in the winter. With the spines on the edges of the leaves they resemble holly.

In April yellow flowers form followed by clusters of blue, grape-like fruit. While the berries are edible, they are very sour.

This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds.

  Adaptation:
In the garden Oregon Grape is widely adapted to a multitude of soil conditions. It can be grown in either full sun or shade with partial shade being the best. While the leaves will turn redder in the winter with more sun exposure, the foliage will retain its best appearance with partial shade.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
Computing and Web Resources, PO Box 6234, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6234