1. * Oregon Grape – Mahonia (Berberis) aquifolium
(ma-HOE-nee-uh a-kwi-FOE-lee-um)
Family: Berberidaceae (Barberrry Family)
Native to: Western N. America from N. Mexico to British Columbia; locally, in the San Gabriel Mtns.
On slopes and in canyons in coniferous forest, oak woodland and chaparral.
woody shrub
mature height: 3-6+ ft.
mature width: 2-6 ft.
Upright, mound-shaped evergreen shrub. Stems are stiff, often un-branched. Leaves are stiff, dark
green, leathery and holly-like. Quite showy. Moderate growth rate and lifespan (20+ years).
Produces suckers from rhizomes.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms early – late winter to early spring. Flowers are bell-shaped, butter-yellow,
in showy clusters. Flowers have sweet fragrance like honey.
Fruits are dark blue, grape-like,
ripening in summer. Fruits are tart – can be eaten raw or used for juice, syrup or jellies.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Most often used as an ornamental accent shrub or foundation plant. Works well
as a hedge, particularly in shady areas. Can be used as a tall groundcover. Roots and bark make a
bright yellow dye. Good for fall/winter leaf color. Cultivar ‘Compactum’ is smaller (to 3 ft.).
Sensible substitute for: Non-native hollies and other shrubs with unusual foliage.
Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: fruit-eating birds love the berries.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Part-shade to full shade.
Just about any, including heavy clays. Any local pH fine.
Moist to dry (Zones 2 to 3).
Light fertilizer fine
Likes an organic mulch.
Management:
Prune out old stems and undesired suckers. Other than that, easy to grow.
Propagation: from seed: cold/moist treatment by cuttings: hard & soft-wood, divisions
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 7-9, 11, 13, 14, 20, 28
2/17/11
* CA native plant but not native to Western L.A. county
© Project SOUND