Botanical Name: Mahonia aquifolium
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Common Name: Oregon Grape  
Plant photo of: Mahonia aquifolium
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Water Saving Tip:

Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Broadleaf Evergreen, Shrub

 

Height Range

6-12'

 

Flower Color

Yellow

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Bronze, Dark Green

 

Bark Color

Grey

 

Fruit Color

Blue

 

Fruit Season

Summer, Fall

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: Jerry Sortomme SBCC
  • Description

  • Notes

Oregon grape is a large, densely branched, rounded evergreen shrub growing 8 to 10 feet tall and wide. Holly-like leaves emerge a bronzy red and mature to a glossy green; they have spiny barbs making it a good choice as a barrier. Even though it is evergreen, foliage turns a lovely purple-bronze in the fall. Clusters of fragrant yellow flowers appear April to May, and are followed by fruit that ripens from green to blue-black in late summer. 'Compacta' is a dwarf form growing between 3 and 4 feet tall and wide.