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Mahonia aquifolium

Image of Mahonia aquifolium

Gerald L. Klingaman

Family

Berberidaceae

Botanical Name

Mahonia aquifolium

Plant Common Name

Holly-leaved Barbarry, Oregon Grape

General Description

Oregon grape holly, an upright evergreen shrub, is native to the area from British Colombia south to northern California and not a true holly but more closely related to barberries. The stems are rarely branched and arise directly from underground, running stems. The leaves are pinnate or feather-like and attach directly to the stem. Leaflets are glossy, leathery, stiff, ovate, and have several sharp spines. The color is deep, dark green turning red to purple in the winter. Showy, yellow flowers are small, held in dense, un-branched stalks at the ends of the branches and appear in the spring. Dark blue-black berries follow the flowers and resemble cluster grapes, giving the plant its common name.

Grape holly is a shade loving plant, but will grow in sunnier conditions is soil is moist. The soil should be cool, fertile, but well-drained and on the acid side. However, it will tolerate drought and poor conditions once established. Oregon grape holly is damaged by cold, drying winds. Prune to control height by removing stems at ground level, though it will tolerate shearing when used in hedges. Mahonia aquifolium has become naturalized in some areas outside its native range such as Australia and is considered and invasive species. Use Oregon grape holly in masses for foundation plantings, woodland interfaces, hedges or in containers.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 6

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Partial Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade

  • Height

    3'-6' / 0.9m - 1.8m

  • Width

    3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m

  • Bloom Time

    Early Spring, Spring, Late Spring

  • Native To

    Northwestern United States, Canada

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Yellow

  • Fruit Color

    Blue, Black

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Dark Green, Bronze

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Red, Purple, Dark Green

  • Bark Color

    Chocolate

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    Yes

  • Edible Fruit

    Yes

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Coarse

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    Yes

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Fissured

  • Usage

    Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    Yes

  • Invasive

    Sometimes

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes