Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database

Mahonia [Berberis] repens (Creeping Oregon Grape or Truckee Barberry)

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 repens (Lindl.) G. Don – creeping barberry

This is the superior ground cover of the Oregon Grape species, recommended to cover large open areas not suitable for lawn.

Growing a mere 12-18" tall and spreading by rhizomes, Creeping Oregon Grape tolerates sun or shade and is drought resistant after established.

In the wild, this variety flourishes in areas that have been recently logged as well as forested areas along the Pacific Coast and throughout the southwestern States, USDA zones 4-10.

It has dull green holly-like leaves, fragrant yellow flowers and blue-purple edible fruits.

This species is considered endangered and is protected by the state of California.

Observe photo at right: vibrant fall color!

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