Mahonia aquifolium
Oregon Grape
Mahonia aquifolium is an evergreen shrub, commonly called Oregon grape-holly, grown for its glossy, holly-like pinnate foliage, clusters of bright yellow spring flowers, and blue-black berries that follow. The leaves often take on purplish to bronzy tones in fall and winter, adding cold-season color, and the plant gradually spreads by suckers to form colonies. It is native to western North America and is the state flower of Oregon.
Type: Evergreen shrub.
Mature Size: 3–6' W x 3–6' H.
USDA Zones: 5a–8b.
Form: Low, spreading, colony-forming, upright to mounded shrub.
Light: Part shade to shade; can tolerate some sun with adequate moisture.
Soil / Water: Moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral, organically rich soil; medium water; somewhat drought tolerant once established.
Bloom Time / Length: Spring, usually March–April; yellow flower clusters are followed by blue-black fruit by late summer to early fall.
Wildlife: Flowers support pollinators, and the berries attract birds.
Features & Landscape Uses: Useful in woodland gardens, shaded borders, naturalized plantings, erosion control, and massing under trees. Its evergreen foliage, spring flowers, winter color, and ability to handle shade make it a strong choice for difficult understory sites.
Care: Plant in part shade in protected sites with well-drained soil. Water regularly while establishing, mulch to keep roots cool and moist, and prune after flowering if shaping or thinning is needed. Suckers can be left to form colonies or removed to keep plants tighter
- Plant type
- Evergreen Shrub
- Height
- 3-6'
- Width
- 3-6'
- Hardiness zones
- 5–8
- Sunlight
- Full Shade, Partial Shade
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Bloom time
- Early Spring
- Flower color
- Yellow
- Leaf color
- Green
- Fall color
- Dark Green
- Fruit color
- Tyrian Purple
- Attracts
- Bees, Birds
- Soil
- Acidic, Moist well-drained
- Landscape use
- Erosion control mass planting, Mass Planting, Woodland Gardens
- Shape
- Low Spreading, Mounded
- Bark
- Fissured
- Fruit
- Yes
- Fragrant
- Yes
- Deer resistant
- Yes
- Drought tolerant
- No
Plant photos (3)
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