United States Edition

Oregon grape   

Mahonia aquifolium

Oregon grape is part of the Mahonia genus. Its scientific name is Mahonia aquifolium.

This barberry relative is native to western north america. It is a useful ornamental with evergreen holly-like foliage, sour but edible berries, and yellow flowers in late winter. It tolerates a wide variety of conditions, from sun to shade and drought to a well watered garden, and is attractive to birds.

Blooms appear in these approximate colours:   Banana yellow. When ripe, fruit appear in these approximate colours:   Dark byzantium. A type of edible flower, it mainly grows as an evergreen plant - which means it retains leaves throughout the year. Oregon grape is known for growing to a height of approximately 6.50 feet (that's 2.00 metres in metric) with a shrubby habit. This plant tends to bloom in late winter, followed by first harvests in late summer. Oregon grape is a great plant to attract butterflies, bees, and birds to your garden.

United States is believed to be where Oregon grape originates from.

Oregon grape is normally quite a low maintenance plant and is normally very easy to grow - great for beginner gardeners!

This plant info is provided by the myfolia gardener's wiki. All details about Oregon grape have been kindly provided by our members.

How to grow Oregon grape

  • Full Shade

    +
  • Very Low

This plant needs little care once established, other than an occasional pruning to shape.

Oregon grape likes a position of full shade and remember to water very sparingly. Use Zone 5 - Zone 9 as your guideline for the appropriate climate for this plant. Keep in mind when planting that Oregon grape is thought of as very hardy, so this plant will tend to survive through freezing conditions.

Growing Oregon grape from seed

Transplanting Oregon grape

This plant may defoliate after being transplanted, but will recover. It needs water during its first year to get established.

Harvesting Oregon grape

Pick berries in midsummer-fall.1 Berries will be very sour when ripe, bitter and astringent when not ripe.

Companion plants for Oregon grape

These plants have been known to grow well alongside Oregon grape so consider planting:

Repellent plants for Oregon grape

These plants will not grow well with Oregon grape so avoid planting these within close proximity:

Common Oregon grape problems

These problems, diseases and pests are known to affect Oregon grape plants:

Has prickly leaves, so be careful about planting near walk ways.

Oregon grape Etymology

Aquafolium is Latin for sharp leafed.1

Oregon grape Folklore & Trivia

The fruit has lots of vitamin C.1 The roots were used medicinally by native Americans.1 The fruits can be made into jam, jelly, wine, and other foods.1

Other names for Oregon grape

Hollyleaved barberry, Grape Holly

Berberis aquifolium

Misspellings: Oregan grape, Oregon-grape

Latest Oregon grape Reviews

See all Oregon grape reviews and experiences »

Oregon grape care instructions

How long does Oregon grape take to grow?

These estimates for how long Oregon grape takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world. Start logging and journaling your observations to participate!

Footnotes

Oregon grape Forums

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