Does it need pruning?

Pruning is rarely needed, but you can trim it back after flowering to keep it compact.

Can I grow it in full sun?

It prefers partial shade, especially in hotter climates where full sun can scorch the leaves.

Plant guide

Oregon Grape.

Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt.

Pronounced ma-HOH-nee-uh ah-kwee-FOH-lee-um

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

Mahonia aquifolium — Photo by Megan Blackmore (CC0) via gbif

Oregon Grape is a lovely evergreen shrub native to the Pacific Northwest. It features glossy, holly-like leaves and produces bright yellow flowers followed by clusters of dark blue berries. This plant is a fantastic choice for adding year-round interest to your garden.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Evergreen shrub
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 3 to 6 feet tall
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 5 to 9
Bloom time: Early to mid spring

Care

Plant this shrub in well-draining soil and provide consistent moisture while it gets established. Watch for leaf scorch if it gets too much direct afternoon sun. It is quite hardy and rarely needs much fuss once it takes root.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the first year.
Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support new growth.
Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
Repotting: Repot only if the plant becomes root-bound, though it prefers to stay in the ground.
Soil: Well-draining, acidic, loamy soil
Soil pH: 5.0 to 7.0
Temperature: -25 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 20 to 50 years
Fragrance: Light
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in

Safety

People: The plant is generally non-toxic, but the berries contain alkaloids that may cause mild stomach upset if eaten in large quantities.
Pets: The berries are generally considered non-toxic, but the plant contains alkaloids that may cause mild stomach upset if ingested by pets.
Children: The sharp, spiny leaves pose a physical hazard to small children who might try to handle the plant.
Contact allergens: The holly-like leaves have sharp, spiny margins that can scratch or irritate sensitive skin.
Airborne allergens: The pollen can trigger mild seasonal allergies in sensitive individuals.
Edibility: The berries are tart and contain seeds that should be removed before consumption, though they are generally considered safe when cooked.

How to identify it

Glossy, leathery, holly-like evergreen leaves
Bright yellow, fragrant spring flowers
Clusters of dark blue, waxy berries
New foliage often has reddish tint

Height: 0.9 to 1.8m
Spread: 0.9 to 1.5m
Leaves: dark green, bronze, reddish purple, evergreen
Flowers: bright yellow, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: dark blue, black, Late summer

Problems to watch for

Powdery MildewCommon
RustCommon
AphidsUncommon
ChlorosisUncommon
Leaf ScorchUncommon
Leaf SpotUncommon
Root RotUncommon
Scale InsectsUncommon

By symptom

Check your oregon grape from a photo

Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your plant and tells you what's wrong and what to try first.

Growing it

Propagation: seed, cuttings, division
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: It is very hardy and requires no special winter protection in most climates. Just ensure the soil remains well-drained to prevent root rot during wet winters.
In containers: It grows well in large containers, provided they have excellent drainage and are at least 40 centimeters in diameter.

Semi-hardwood cuttings

Take 10 centimeter cuttings in late summer.
Remove the lower leaves and dip the base in rooting hormone.
Plant in a well-draining potting mix.
Keep in a humid environment until roots form.

Plant in groups with other shade-loving woodland perennials to create a layered, naturalistic look.

Grows well with

Hellebore — They share similar shade and moisture requirements.
Coral Bells — The foliage contrast between the two plants is quite striking.

Similar species

Creeping Mahonia — It is a lower-growing, spreading relative that works well as a groundcover.

Science

Family: Berberidaceae
Genus: Mahonia
Order: Ranunculales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Western North America
Conservation: This species is common and not of conservation concern.

It spreads by underground rhizomes, allowing it to form dense thickets that provide cover for small wildlife.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, winter bird food
Pollinators: bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Uses: ornamental shrub, wildlife garden, jelly making

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND

Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

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

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need pruning?: Pruning is rarely needed, but you can trim it back after flowering to keep it compact.
Can I grow it in full sun?: It prefers partial shade, especially in hotter climates where full sun can scorch the leaves.

Where the name comes from

The genus honors Bernard McMahon, an early American horticulturist, while the species name aquifolium refers to the leaf shape resembling holly.

Good to know

The berries are often called Oregon grapes.
The inner bark contains berberine, which has been used as a yellow dye.
It is a tough, reliable shrub that thrives in shade.
The leaves often turn a beautiful bronze or purple color in winter.

Also in

Deer-resistant plants

Keep your oregon grape growing

This page is a general guide. Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked.

Get the app

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.