Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database

Berberis [Mahonia] aquifolium (Tall Oregon Grape)

Kingdom Plantae – Plants

Subkingdom Tracheobionta – Vascular plants

Superdivision Spermatophyta – Seed plants

Division Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants

Class Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons

Subclass Magnoliidae

Order Ranunculales

Family Berberidaceae – Barberry family

Genus Mahonia Nutt. – barberry

Species Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt. – hollyleaved barberry

This superb evergreen shrub is the State flower of Oregon.

Hardy in USDA zones 5-10, it is at home along the Pacific Coast from BC to northern California.

Oregon Grape can reach 10' tall, but is usually 5' in gardens.

In spring, large clusters of small golden flowers unfurl from shiny green, holly-like foliage.

New growth is copper color in the spring.

The blue fruits are tart and improve after frost. They are often gathered for jelly or wine. Used to treat a wide variety of ailments, Oregon Grape species contain the extremely potent alkaloid, berberine, (also found in goldenseal) which is antiseptic and stimulates the liver and spleen.

Use this plant for hedges, borders and drifts.

It flourishes in sun or shade and is highly drought tolerant: perfect for the Northwest.