Hollyleaved Barberry, Oregon Grape
Synonym: Berberis aquifolium, Odostemon aquifolium, Berberis piperiana, Mahonia piperiana
Family: Berberidaceae
 Show Larger Picture Odostemon aquifolium, Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada. Vol. 2: 128. |
Recommended Temperature Zone: sunset: 1-21 USDA: 5-9 Sun Exposure: Light shade to shade, tolerates full sun in cooler part of the range Origin: N. Calif. to B.C.. Growth Habits: Evergreen shrub, up to 6 feet tall (1.8 m); spreading by underground stems, forming clumps; coarse, spiny, bluish green leaves, 6 to 12 inches long (15-30 cm); 5 to 9 leaflets each 2 to 3 inches long (5-7 cm) Watering Needs: Best with regular water, prefers acidic soils, foliage tends to be chlorotic on alkaline soil Propagation: Division, cuttings |
The genus Mahonia is named after Bernard McMahon, an American horticulturist of the 18th-19th century.
'Compactum' is a compact and slower-growing form, growing to 3 feet tall (90 cm).
Blooming Habits:
Bright yellow flowers, in dense clusters, in early spring
Fruiting Habits:
Small, bright blue, edible berries on dark red stems, ripening in summer to late summers. The birds love them. They are not generally eaten raw, but they can be used to make excellent jellies.
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