Oregon grape.

De un vistazo

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Shrub

Light

Partial shade to full sun

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

6 to 12 feet tall and wide

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 5 to 9

Bloom time

Spring

Cuidados

Oregon grape thrives in well-drained soil and prefers partial shade, though it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Water regularly when young, and reduce watering as the plant matures, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Watch for signs of powdery mildew in humid conditions or if overcrowded.

Watering

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, reducing frequency once established.

Feeding

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer if desired, though often not necessary in good soil.

Pruning

Prune lightly after flowering to shape the plant or remove dead or damaged branches.

Repotting

Repot container-grown plants every 2 to 3 years, or when rootbound.

Soil

Well-drained, loamy soil

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5 to 7.0)

Temperature

-23.3 to 26.7°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Drought tolerance

moderate

Lifespan

Perennial, can live for many years.

Fragrance

light

Deer and rabbits

high

Seguridad

People

The roots and leaves contain berbine, which can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested.

Pets

Berries are edible for humans, but other parts of the plant may cause mild stomach upset in pets if ingested.

Children

The berries resemble small grapes and could be a choking hazard for very young children.

Contact allergens

Sap may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Airborne allergens

Pollen is generally not considered a significant allergen.

Edibility

While the berries are technically edible, they are quite tart and can cause stomach upset if eaten in large quantities.

Cómo identificarla

• Holly-like, leathery leaves
• Spiny leaf margins
• Clusters of bright yellow flowers
• Blue-black, grape-like berries
• Evergreen foliage

Height

1.8 to 3.6m

Spread

1.8 to 3.6m

Leaves

green, blue-green, bronze (new growth), evergreen

Flowers

yellow, 0.5 to 1cm

Fruit

blue, black, Late summer to fall

Problemas frecuentes

• Powdery Mildew — A white, powdery growth on leaves, especially in humid conditions or when plants are overcrowded.
• Root Rot — Occurs in poorly drained soil, causing yellowing leaves and eventual plant death.
• Leaf Spot — Fungal or bacterial spots on leaves, often with yellow halos.

Cómo cultivarla

Propagation

Cuttings, Division, Seed

When to plant

Spring, Fall

Overwintering

Mahonia aquifolium is a hardy evergreen and generally does not require special winter protection in its native range. In colder climates, a layer of mulch around the base can help protect the roots from extreme temperature fluctuations. Ensure the plant is well-watered before the ground freezes.

In containers

Mahonia aquifolium can be grown in containers, but it prefers to be planted in the ground where it can spread; a minimum pot size of 15-20 gallons is recommended for mature plants.

Plant Mahonia in shady or partially shaded areas with well-drained, slightly acidic soil for best results.

Buenas compañeras

• Ferns — Ferns appreciate similar shady, moist conditions and complement Mahonia's texture.
• Rhododendrons — They share a preference for acidic soil and partial shade, creating a woodland feel.
• Hosta — Hostas provide lush foliage in shady spots and pair well with Mahonia's structure.
• Heuchera — Coral bells offer colorful foliage and thrive in the same conditions as Mahonia.

Mantenla lejos de

• Full Sun — Prolonged exposure to intense sunlight can scorch the leaves and stress the plant.
• Poorly Drained Soil — This can lead to root rot, a serious issue for Mahonia.

Especies parecidas

• Mahonia repens (Creeping Mahonia) — Similar yellow flowers and blue-black berries, but it's a low-growing, spreading groundcover.
• Mahonia nervosa (Cascade Oregon-grape) — Also native to the Pacific Northwest, it has similar foliage and flowers but is generally smaller.

Ciencia

Family

Berberidaceae

Genus

Mahonia

Order

Ranunculales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Pacific Northwest of North America.

Conservation

Not of conservation concern.

It grows as an understory plant in forests and woodlands, often forming dense thickets.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, fruit source for birds

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Uses

ornamental, medicinal (traditional), food (berries)

Taxonomía cotejada con GBIF.

Lo que más preguntan

How much sun does Mahonia aquifolium need?

It prefers partial to full shade but can tolerate some sun, especially in cooler climates.

What kind of soil is best?

It thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil.

Is it difficult to grow?

No, it's a relatively low-maintenance and adaptable shrub.

When does it bloom?

It typically blooms in early spring with bright yellow flowers.

De dónde viene el nombre

The scientific name 'Mahonia' honors Bernard McMahon, an Irish-American botanist. 'Aquifolium' means 'prickly leaf', referring to its spiny foliage.

Bueno saberlo

• It's an evergreen shrub, keeping its foliage year-round.
• The berries can be used to make jelly or wine.
• It's quite tolerant of shade.
• Its leathery leaves are a great deterrent to deer.