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.

It typically blooms in early spring with bright yellow flowers.

Plant guide

Oregon grape.

Mahonia aquifolium

Pronounced mah-HOH-nee-uh ak-wih-FO-lee-um

Also known as Hollyleaved Barberry, Oregon Grape, Oregon Grapeholly, Oregon Holly, Oregon Holly Grape, Oregon-grape, Piper's Oregon-grape

Mahonia aquifolium, commonly known as Oregon grape, is an attractive evergreen shrub native to western North America. It's prized for its holly-like foliage, bright yellow spring flowers, and edible blue-black berries.

At a glance

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

Care

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

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water drains very slowly or not at all.
The plant dries out much faster than usual.
Visible white roots circling the inside of the pot.

Safety

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.

How to identify it

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

Common problems

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.

Growing it

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.

Seed

Collect ripe berries in late summer or fall.
Remove pulp and sow seeds outdoors in a prepared seedbed or pot.
Stratify seeds by exposing them to a period of cold, moist conditions (e.g., refrigerate in damp sand for 2-3 months).
Germination may take 1-2 years.
Transplant seedlings once they are large enough to handle.

Cuttings

Take semi-hardwood cuttings in mid-summer.
Cut 4-6 inch stems just below a leaf node.
Remove lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Insert cuttings into a moist, well-draining potting mix.
Keep consistently moist and provide bottom heat if possible; roots typically form in 6-8 weeks.

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

Grows well with

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.

Keep away from

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.

Similar species

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.

Science

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)

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 3/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 4/9
Nutrients: 4/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

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.

Where the name comes from

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

Good to know

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.

Is your oregon grape looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.