Creeping Oregon Grape
Mahonia repens
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Pl. EF23 — Mahonia repens
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IOverview
Overview
Creeping Oregon Grape (Mahonia repens) is a low-growing evergreen shrub native to the western United States and Canada, ranging from Alberta to California and extending into Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, and Wyoming. This plant thrives in various habitats, including dry and moist areas with light to medium soil types. Known for its edible berries, which are often used in jams and jellies, it also serves as an ornamental ground cover due to its attractive foliage. One distinctive feature is its small, yellow flowers that appear in early spring, followed by blue-black berries in late summer. Another notable characteristic is its ability to grow well in full sun or partial shade, making it adaptable to different light conditions.
Quick answers
What is Creeping Oregon Grape?
Creeping Oregon Grape (Mahonia repens) is a low-growing evergreen shrub native to the western United States and Canada, ranging from Alberta to California and extending into Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, and Wyoming. This plant thrives in various habitats, including dry and moist areas with light to medium soil types.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Creeping Oregon Grape thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist to dry conditions. It grows well in light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil types. Hardy in zones 4-8, this plant is native to regions including Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, and other western states. Propagate via division or from cuttings. The fruit of the Creeping Oregon Grape is edible.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Creeping Oregon Grape for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance approach to growing Creeping Oregon Grape.
- 1
What you'll need
A small plant or seeds, well-draining soil, and a container or garden bed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is light (sandy), medium, or heavy with good drainage. For containers, use a potting mix suitable for shrubs.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from a nursery or sow seeds directly in the garden after preparing the soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight for the first few days.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide partial sun to full sun, and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to encourage new growth and remove any dead or damaged branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to prune, and not providing enough drainage.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:DyeoilErosion controlGround coverFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
18 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
18 native · 1 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 18 native· 1 introduced
Europe1 region
introduced (1)Hungary
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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