Cascade Oregon-grape
Berberis nervosa
Also listed as Mahonia nervosa, Odostemon nervosus
Also known as Oregon-grape, Cascade Barberry, Dwarf Oregon-grape
Climate Match for your location
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A low-growing evergreen shrub with finely textured blue-green leaflets that turn bronze-purple in fall and winter. It produces clusters of fragrant yellow flowers in spring followed by blue berries attractive to wildlife.
Why grow it
Cascade Oregon-grape is a low-growing alternative to taller Mahonia species, making it better suited to small gardens and foundation plantings where vertical space is limited. It offers year-round interest through evergreen foliage that shifts color seasonally, plus spring flowers and summer berries that support native pollinators and wildlife. The plant tolerates partial shade and acidic to neutral soils, thriving in conditions where many ornamental shrubs struggle.
Watch out for
This species spreads by underground rhizomes and can gradually expand beyond its initial planting area, requiring occasional division or boundary management. In regions with dry summers, supplemental water during establishment helps ensure vigorous growth, as the plant performs best with consistent moisture rather than drought conditions.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Berberidaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest native
Native to: California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A low-growing evergreen shrub with finely textured blue-green leaflets that turn bronze-purple in fall and winter. It produces clusters of fragrant yellow flowers in spring followed by blue berries attractive to wildlife.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Cascade Oregon-grape grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Cascade Oregon-grape is a low-growing alternative to taller Mahonia species, making it better suited to small gardens and foundation plantings where vertical space is limited. It offers year-round interest through evergreen foliage that shifts color seasonally, plus spring flowers and summer berries that support native pollinators and wildlife. The plant tolerates partial shade and acidic to neutral soils, thriving in conditions where many ornamental shrubs struggle.
Watch out for
This species spreads by underground rhizomes and can gradually expand beyond its initial planting area, requiring occasional division or boundary management. In regions with dry summers, supplemental water during establishment helps ensure vigorous growth, as the plant performs best with consistent moisture rather than drought conditions.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Berberidaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest native
Native to: California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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