Oregon Grape
Berberis aquifolium
Also listed as Mahonia aquifolium, Berberis brevipes
Also known as Tall Oregon Grape, Blue Barberry, Holly Barberry
Climate Match for your location
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Oregon grape is an attractive evergreen shrub prized for its fragrant yellow spring flowers and blue berries that ripen in summer, followed by burgundy winter foliage. It makes an excellent ornamental hedge or foundation plant and is relatively low-maintenance once established.
Why grow it
Oregon grape offers reliable year-round interest in temperate gardens, with the advantage of evergreen foliage and multiple seasonal ornamental phases. Compared to other Berberis species, it tolerates partial shade better and spreads via underground rhizomes to form dense, weed-suppressing groundcover. The fragrant spring flowers and edible berries provide ecological value, attracting pollinators and birds while requiring minimal fertilization or pruning once established.
Watch out for
Oregon grape can spread vigorously in favorable conditions, potentially outcompeting neighboring plants in smaller garden spaces. It prefers well-drained soil and may show leaf yellowing or root rot in heavy clay or poorly draining sites. In hot, dry climates, afternoon shade and consistent moisture during establishment help prevent stress-related pest susceptibility.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Berberidaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest native
Native to: California, Idaho, Montana, 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
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Oregon grape is an attractive evergreen shrub prized for its fragrant yellow spring flowers and blue berries that ripen in summer, followed by burgundy winter foliage. It makes an excellent ornamental hedge or foundation plant and is relatively low-maintenance once established.
Climate Match for your location
See how well 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
Oregon grape offers reliable year-round interest in temperate gardens, with the advantage of evergreen foliage and multiple seasonal ornamental phases. Compared to other Berberis species, it tolerates partial shade better and spreads via underground rhizomes to form dense, weed-suppressing groundcover. The fragrant spring flowers and edible berries provide ecological value, attracting pollinators and birds while requiring minimal fertilization or pruning once established.
Watch out for
Oregon grape can spread vigorously in favorable conditions, potentially outcompeting neighboring plants in smaller garden spaces. It prefers well-drained soil and may show leaf yellowing or root rot in heavy clay or poorly draining sites. In hot, dry climates, afternoon shade and consistent moisture during establishment help prevent stress-related pest susceptibility.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Berberidaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest native
Native to: California, Idaho, Montana, 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
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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