Oregon Grape
Mahonia aquifolium
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. BBB6 — Mahonia aquifolium
Mahonia aquifoliumMahonia aquifoliumMahonia aquifoliumMahonia aquifoliumMahonia aquifoliumMahonia aquifoliumMahonia aquifoliumMahonia aquifoliumMahonia aquifoliumMahonia aquifoliumMahonia aquifoliumMahonia aquifoliumMahonia aquifoliumMahonia aquifolium
IOverview
Overview
Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is a deciduous shrub native to the Pacific Northwest, ranging from British Columbia to California and extending into Idaho and Montana. Known for its edible berries and ornamental value, this plant thrives in dry to moist conditions with light to heavy soil types. It prefers a pH between 7 and 7.5 and can grow up to 2 meters tall. The shrub's distinctive feature is its holly-like leaves, which are deeply lobed and give it a unique appearance. Its fruits are edible and contribute to the plant’s value as both an ornamental and a food source in native ecosystems.
Quick answers
What is Oregon Grape?
Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is a deciduous shrub native to the Pacific Northwest, ranging from British Columbia to California and extending into Idaho and Montana. Known for its edible berries and ornamental value, this plant thrives in dry to moist conditions with light to heavy soil types.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Oregon Grape thrives in partial to full sunlight and prefers well-draining soils with a pH of 7-7.5. It can tolerate dry conditions but also performs well in moist environments. The plant is hardy in temperate regions from zones 4-8 and grows up to 2 meters tall. For propagation, use division or semi-hardwood cuttings. Harvest the fruits for edible use.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Mature size
2.0 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Oregon Grape for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Oregon Grape in a well-draining soil and follow these steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Oregon Grape plants, garden gloves, spade or trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the weather is cooler.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH of 7-7.5, mix in compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from nursery pots into the garden or directly sow seeds in early spring.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water during dry spells, mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to maintain shape and remove dead wood.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poorly draining soil, neglecting winter protection in colder zones.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:fruits
Edible uses: Drink
Other uses:DyeHedgerowGround coverFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
6 native · 24 introduced
Distribution
6 native · 24 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 6 native· 24 introduced
Europe16 regions
introduced (16)BelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyHungaryNetherlandsNorwayPolandRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
introduced (1)Uzbekistan
Broader regions
native:British Columbia, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington
introduced:Czechoslovakia, Québec, South Australia, Tasmania, Vermont, West Himalaya, New South Wales
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · bbb68512-c745-485b-a2dc-3be0285e578e
Decision aid
Choosing between Oregon Grape and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.