Creeping Mahonia
Berberis repens
Also listed as Mahonia repens, Odostemon repens
Also known as Creeping Oregon Grape, Oregon Grape, Creeping Barberry
Climate Match for your location
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A low-growing evergreen groundcover with blue-green foliage that turns purplish in winter, producing fragrant yellow flower clusters followed by blue berries. It is drought-tolerant and excellent for erosion control on slopes.
Why grow it
Creeping mahonia offers reliable winter interest through its color-shifting foliage and persistent blue berries, distinguishing it from many other low groundcovers that fade or drop their ornament in cold months. It tolerates drier conditions and poor soils better than many evergreen alternatives, making it practical for xeric landscapes and slope stabilization where maintenance inputs are limited.
Watch out for
While drought-tolerant once established, young plants benefit from consistent moisture during their first growing season. In very hot climates or reflected-heat situations, foliage may scorch despite the plant's general heat tolerance, so afternoon shade can improve performance in extreme conditions.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Berberidaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America
Native to: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A low-growing evergreen groundcover with blue-green foliage that turns purplish in winter, producing fragrant yellow flower clusters followed by blue berries. It is drought-tolerant and excellent for erosion control on slopes.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Creeping Mahonia grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Creeping mahonia offers reliable winter interest through its color-shifting foliage and persistent blue berries, distinguishing it from many other low groundcovers that fade or drop their ornament in cold months. It tolerates drier conditions and poor soils better than many evergreen alternatives, making it practical for xeric landscapes and slope stabilization where maintenance inputs are limited.
Watch out for
While drought-tolerant once established, young plants benefit from consistent moisture during their first growing season. In very hot climates or reflected-heat situations, foliage may scorch despite the plant's general heat tolerance, so afternoon shade can improve performance in extreme conditions.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Berberidaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America
Native to: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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