Mahonia aquifolium
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OREGON GRAPE
Family: Berberidaceae
Pronounced: MA-hon-ee-a a-kwi-FOE-lee-um
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
British Columbia to northern California.
Plant Group:
Shrub.
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Mature size: Height: 6 feet (2 m). Width: 5 feet (1.5 m).
Flowering period: Late winter to early spring.
Flowering attributes: Yellow flowers in clustered racemes.
Leaf attributes: Evergreen, bright green, glossy, holly like leaves turn bronze-purple in winter.
Growth habit: Suckering.
Light: Full sun to shade, but grows best in partial to full shade.
Soil: Humus rich, moist soil.
Propagation Methods: Sow seed as soon as ripe -stratified seeds germinate best. | Semi-ripe cuttings in late summer.
Pruning Methods: Prune out stems to the ground to keep desired shape.
Rainy Side Notes
In my old gardens mahonias grew in deep shade. In my new garden they were found after clearing blackberries away.
The berries are relished by birds. The berries also make a good jelly.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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