Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database

Mahonia [Berberis] nervosa (Cascade 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 nervosa (Pursh) Nutt. – Cascade barberry

Cascade Oregon Grape is an excellent ground cover in partially shaded areas.

This species has the same beautiful flowers and fruit as Tall Oregon Grape but has longer leaves and reaches heights of only 2.'

The flowers are highly aromatic and, like all Mahonias, the autumn display is spectacular, with burgundy, red, gold and bronze.

This plant is widespread in open forest areas or in the understory from BC to California and in Idaho as well.

For a short comparison of native Oregon Grapes, click here.