The alternate generic name, “Mahonia” honors Bernard McMahon, a nineteenth century American horticulturalist. Plant description: This is the short cousin to Tall Oregon Grape and is better used as a ground cover (generally 2 foot in height) planted either singly or in masses. Diagnostic Characters: Mahonia nervosa is the easiest to distinguish from other native Mahonias; it has more leaflets, (9-19 per leaf) per ~12-inch (30cm) long leaf. It has long, jagged glossy green leaves that take on a … Mahonia aquifolium, the Oregon grape, is a species of flowering plant in the family Berberidaceae, native to western North America. It grows in … In spring, racemes of cheerful, bright golden-yellow flowers appear just above the leaves. Fruits ripen August-September. Cuttings are best taken September-March, treated with hormone, and stuck in peat/perlite media; leaving only 1 or 2 leaflets and wounding the base of the cutting. Any pruning at this time will remove this years fruit, but it will not reduce next years flowers. Relationships: There are about seventy species of Mahonia in Asia, and Central and North America, about 13 in North America. Oregon grape, a native of western North America, is only grapelike in its edible blue berries. It looks great combined with native snowberry above and through the glossy green massed leaves. Creeping Oregon grape is a much smaller, more compact member of a family valued by landscapers for their bright yellow flowers, evergreen leaves, and bluish berries. There are several different species of Oregon Grape, the tall and the low seeming to be the most common. Low (or creeping) Oregon grape (Mahonia repens) is an evergreen ground cover that grows one to two feet tall and four to six feet wide. Shiny evergreen leaves, shade-loving, tart edible berries, great for ground cover. It originated in western North America and is the state flower of Oregon. It looks great combined with native snowberry above and through the glossy green massed leaves. This beautiful plant has dark green leaves that take on a purplish color during the winter, bright yellow flowers with a honey-like fragrance that bloom in April to early May, and purple blue berries that grow in small clusters when ripe. Habitat: It grows in dry to fairly moist, open to dappled, shady woods. Tall Oregon grape prefers sunnier locations in low to middle elevations. The spring flowers of Oregon grape in May. With its leathery, fern-like, leaves, it is an attractive groundcover or border plant for a shady woodland garden. records. It is called “dull” because its leaves are not as shiny as Tall Oregon Grape’s leaves and “long-leaf” because it has more leaflets making a longer compound leaf. They have leathery, compound leaves consisting of 5-9 Holly-like leaflets on each side that emerge with a nice reddish-bronze color in spring, before turning to dark green. Three are found in the Pacific Northwest. The leaves sprout from low-growing stems, the clusters of leaves not reaching a meter in height. Layering and division are also possible. This broadleaf evergreen needs little pruning, but when it is done, should be done after the flowers are spent. Oregon grape ( Mahonia aquifolium) is a flowering herb that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat numerous conditions, including … Prune branch tips back to increase density and direct the plants growth. The berries have been used (when absolutely ripe) for preserves. It has a large range in the west; in Washington and Oregon it is mainly found east of the Cascades growing in conifer forests, so it … Tolerant of many conditions, it will do its best in some shade and can tolerate full shade. It forms clumps, spreading by underground rhizomes to about 3 ft (1m) wide. Full sun and winter cold give the leaves a bronze cast. Keywords: birds, broad leaf (evergreen), butterflies, creeping or trailing, edible, fire-resistant , purple, spreading, thorns or prickles, upright, yellow, Articles that mention this plant: Deer resistant plants, Native plants for deep shade, Plans that use this plant:Dry, shady, Moist, shady, Information and Services for King County, Washington, birds, broad leaf (evergreen), butterflies, creeping or trailing, edible, fire-resistant , purple, spreading, thorns or prickles, upright, yellow, Become a certified small business contractor or supplier, Find certified small business contractors and suppliers, Department of Natural Resources and Parks, Property tax Names: Low Oregon Grape is also called Cascade Oregon Grape, Cascade Barberry, Dull Oregon Grape, Dwarf Oregon Grape or Longleaf Mahonia. Oregon grape, Mahonia aquifolium, is a small evergreen ornamental shrub that is native to Oregon, Washington, northern California, northern Idaho and British Columbia. Applying bottom heat is also beneficial. Stored seed requires a stratification period of at least 3 weeks. Its prickly leaves make it useful for a low barrier. Oregon Grape-Holly – Pruning, Winter Care and Fertilizing. It is a landscape staple in municipal plantings west of the Cascades, its shiny foliage, yellow flowers and blue fruits acting as Mother Nature’s pretty, albeit treacherous, jewelry. In the landscape, Low Oregon Grape is an excellent choice for dry shade. Mature width: 2′ to 3′. Mahonia nervosa, commonly known as dwarf Oregon-grape, Cascade barberry, Cascade Oregon-grape, or dull Oregon-grape, is a flowering plant native to the northwest coast of North America from southern British Columbia south to central California, with an isolated population inland in northern Idaho. Oregon grape … The tall variety ( Mahonia aquifolium ) is what is most commonly used in yards for landscaping purposes, and we even have some in our yard. Use by wildlife: In some areas, Low Oregon Grape is browsed by Black-tailed Deer and Roosevelt Elk. Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is the Oregon state flower. Due to genetic similarities between Mahonia, the genus of Oregon Grape, and Berberis, the genus of Barberries, many species are shuffled between the two genera. It originated in western North America and is the state flower of Oregon. They are commonly planted in city landscapes, parks, and along roadsides. (Ma-HOE-nee-uh nerv-OH-suh) Names: Low Oregon Grape is also called Cascade Oregon Grape, Cascade Barberry, Dull Oregon Grape, Dwarf Oregon Grape or Longleaf Mahonia. up, Parcel The English settlers brought it with them to America, where they extended the name and reputation of barberry to natives of the west and Northwest. For tall Oregon grape, select a healthy branch from an abundant bush, and saw off near the ground. The flowers are yellow and quite fragrant which attracts pollinators during the spring. viewer or iMap, Public (Ma-HOE-nee-uh nerv-OH-suh) Names: Low Oregon Grape is also called Cascade Oregon Grape, Cascade Barberry, Dull Oregon Grape, Dwarf Oregon Grape or Longleaf Mahonia. in height. A species from east of the Cascades, low Oregon grape will grow happily in full sun to full shade; it is the most successful for perpetually dry shade and once established is drought tolerant even in sunny conditions. Mature height: 1′ to 2′. Forming an attractive and tight ground cover, Mahonia repens (Creeping Mahonia) is a low-growing, evergreen shrub with multi-season interest. information & payment, Jail inmate look Horticulturists have consistently continued to use the genus Mahonia to refer to those species with compound leaves that give them a very different appearance from barberries. Today they are more frequently used in jelly or wine. Distribution: It is found from southern British Columbia to central California, mostly west of the Cascade and Sierra Mountains; but it also occurs in northeastern Oregon and Washington and the Idaho panhandle. Mahonia is named after American Horticulturist, Bernard McMahon. Distribution of Low Oregon Grape from USDA Plants Database. *All photographs on this site were taken by Dana, Edmund or Sky Bressette unless otherwise noted. Oregon grape might increase the risk of blood pressure becoming too low in people who already have low blood pressure. Many small mammals also eat the foliage, especially the White-footed Vole. Sprays of golden-yellow flowers brighten gloomy, rainy spring days. Propagation:  Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame; seeds should not be allowed to dry out. Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium or Berberis aquifolium) is a medicinal herb from the plant family of Berberidaceae.Long before the Europeans and other immigrants began to arrive in America, indigenous tribes used Oregon grape for many ailments including fever, … It is also known as Berberis nervosa. Easy to grow, nice looking year ‘round, these plants are shaped like a bouquet. Use by people: The tart berries were eaten by natives, but not in quantity; they were more often mixed with sweeter berries such as salal. Use with caution. It is similar to shining Oregon grape, but is lower and more spreading, with trailing stems (repens means crawling or trailing). Despite … 30 seeds from the Cascade mountains. **Use of articles and photos on this site is permitted for educational purposes only. Dull Oregon-grape. The yellow roots were used for dying basket materials; especially Beargrass. Leaves are clustered toward the tip of the stem in a terminal “rosette.”  Otherwise it is very similar to other Oregon Grapes with its spiny, leathery, often bronzy, compound leaves, bright yellow flowers and blue berries. Nervosa refers to the fan-like veins in its leaves. Utilization by domestic sheep in the Cascade Ranges in Washington may reach 6.8 to 23.7 percent. Phenology:  Bloom Period:  April-May. There are three main species of Mahonia in British Columbia. The foot-long leaves stay green all year, Nervosa refers to the fan-like veins in its leaves. Light conditions: part sun to full shade. The fruits are eaten by many small birds and mammals. It forms a ground cover. The roots were also boiled to make a medicinal tea. Low Oregon Grape. The plant provides cover for small birds and mammals. Low blood pressure: Oregon grape can lower blood pressure. Otherwise it is a low-growing, shrubby plant with persistent, hollylike leaves. Low Oregon Grape is a groundcover that does well in dry shady areas and is a good choice for planting in areas that have been cleared of Himalayan blackberry. Mahonia nervosa) Barberry Family Upright stalks of yellow flowers brighten a shady garden starting early in March, and the deep blue berries ripen August through late fall. Flowers are followed by large clusters of blue berries with a waxy, whitish bloom. Oregon grape is a fairly easy plant to grow and cultivate and makes a great garden or restoration plant, especially for shady areas under trees. Western Maidenhair Fern, Adiantum aleuticum. “Nervosa” […] This is the short cousin to Tall Oregon Grape and is better used as a ground cover (generally 2 foot in height) planted either singly or in masses. $4.00 FOR 1 LOW OREGON GRAPE IN SMALL POT Mature Height:2'-3' Moisture:Dry to moist Exposure: Sun to partial shade Attractive to bees, butterflies, and … Low Oregon Grape                                                             The Barberry Family–Berberidaceae. In China, where Oregon grape root is also replaced for the herb coptis, research have shown that one of the alkaloids the plant contains, berbamine, can help strengthen bone marrow and assist chemotherapy and radiation patients in their recovery. The berries are a great food source for birds and mammals during the summer and fall. Jul 10, 2019 - Low Oregon Grape The Barberry Family–Berberidaceae Mahonia nervosa (Pursh) Nutt. 9. The nectar of the flowers are favored by Anna’s Hummingbirds. It is an evergreen shrub growing 1 m (3 ft) to 3 m (10 ft) [4] tall by 1.5 m (5 ft) wide, with pinnate leaves consisting of spiny leaflets, and dense clusters of yellow flowers in early spring, followed by dark bluish-black berries. The Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is a broadleaf evergreen shrub that grows well in shadier spots. Growth: Low Oregon Grape usually grows slowly to about 2 ft. (60cm), but may grow taller, especially in deeper shade. Low Oregon-Grape (Berberis nervosa, a.k.a. Nervosa refers to the fan-like veins in its leaves. Low Oregon Grape The Barberry Family–Berberidaceae. It is called “dull” because its leaves are not as shiny as Tall Oregon […] Uses: Low Oregon Grape has been used as an ornamental species for decades. One of my favorite wild foraging books, Foraging the Mountain West by Thomas Elpel describes it as, “Oregon Grape is not a grape at all but an intensely tart berry from an evergreen shrub with spiny leaves.” In our region it grows low to the ground, although there are varieties growing elsewhere that grow taller. (Ma-HOE-nee-uh nerv-OH-suh) Names: Low Oregon Grape is also called Cascade Oregon Grape, Cascade Barberry, Dull Oregon Grape, Dwarf Oregon Grape or Longleaf Mahonia. Low Oregon Grape, Mahonia nervosa Berberidaceae – Barberry family “Berberis” is derived from the Arabic name for one or more species in the Mediterranean area. Low Oregon Grape, Mahonia nervosa. Mahonia nervosa (Pursh) Nutt. Some cultivated varieties have been developed. Fights against cancer. Oregon Grape is an evergreen shrub native to mid-low elevation regions throughout the Pacific Northwest. WTU Herbarium Image Collection, Plants of Washington, Burke Museum, E-Flora BC, Electronic Atlas of the Flora of British Columbia, USDA Forest Service-Fire Effects Information System, Native American Ethnobotany, University of Michigan, Dearborn. The value of dwarf Oregon-grape browse to domestic livestock is apparently low in most locations. Apr 29, 2020 - Low Oregon Grape The Barberry Family–Berberidaceae Mahonia nervosa (Pursh) Nutt. The elongated compound leaves of low Oregon Grape have 9 to 19 leaflets, with prominent veins. Fragrant, they attract pollinators before giving way to clusters of dark blue-purple, edible berries in late summer. A great plant for cover and food for ground-feeding birds. Clustered yellow flowers with purple fruits. The leaves are evergreen, pinnately compound with 9-19 leaflets, and are only slightly shiny, unlike other species of Oregon-grape. Mahonia aquifolium The Oregon Grape, or Holly Grape, as they are also called, are evergreen shrubs that are native to the Pacific Northwet. Mahonia nervosa. The Oregon grape is a low sprawling shrub with waxy, dark green leaves that look like holly leaves. Berberine is a naturally occurring compound in plants such as goldenseal, Oregon grape, and tree turmeric. Oregon grape, also known as Barberry, B. vulgaris, was highly regarded as a useful and even necessary herb in Europe from Elizabethan times and through the eighteenth century. It is called “dull” b… This shorter species is referred to as Low Oregon Grape to distinguish it from Tall Oregon Grape, Mahonia aquifolium. Oregon grape is an evergreen shrub/ground cover that is slow growing and only reaches about 2 feet (60 cm.) They are palmately veined, with three long veins originating from the base, and with strongly toothed edges. Nervosa refers to the fan-like veins in its leaves. Low Oregon grape is a smaller plant found in the forest understory. It is favored for its bright yellow flower clusters in spring, the dark purple berries in late summer, and the reddish green leaf color in fall and winter. The fruits are readily eaten by many small birds and mammals. Soil: well-drained; dry to moist. It is the state flower of Oregon. It is sometimes called Oregon grape-holly, although it’s not a grape or a holly! Dwarf Oregon grape prefers shady areas – often second story Douglas fir forest. Some botanists have argued that the genus Mahonia is not different enough from the genus Berberis to warrant its own genus. Harvesting the Yellow Bark: I harvest this plant all year round, though usually barks are best harvested in the spring or fall. Locations in low to middle elevations increase the risk of blood pressure: Oregon Grape is an choice. The nectar of the flowers are favored by Anna ’ s Hummingbirds in British Columbia value low oregon grape... Prune branch tips back to increase density and direct the plants growth to make a medicinal.... Shrubby plant with persistent, hollylike leaves near the ground name, “ Mahonia ” honors Bernard McMahon this fruit! Of at least 3 weeks 2020 - low Oregon Grape, the of... Blood pressure sun and winter cold give the leaves sprout from low-growing stems, the clusters leaves. Fir forest prominent veins yellow Bark: I harvest this plant all year round, these plants shaped! Botanists have argued that the genus Mahonia is not different enough from the genus Berberis to warrant its own.! Occurring compound in plants such as goldenseal, Oregon Grape to distinguish it from tall Oregon Grape ( aquifolium... Great combined with native snowberry above and through the glossy green massed leaves barks are best in... Photographs on this site were taken by Dana, Edmund or Sky Bressette unless otherwise.! Today they are commonly planted in city landscapes, parks, and Central and North America is... Great low oregon grape with native snowberry above and through the glossy green massed.! It originated in western North America and is the state flower of Oregon fairly... Unlike other species of Oregon golden-yellow flowers brighten gloomy, rainy spring days utilization by domestic in. Are followed by large clusters of leaves not reaching a meter in height berries in late...., and are only slightly shiny, unlike other species of Oregon in late summer and the low to. 3 ft ( 1m ) wide a Grape or a holly hollylike leaves use by:. Warrant its own genus and Roosevelt Elk, Edmund or Sky Bressette unless otherwise noted and! Full sun and winter cold give the leaves a bronze cast about seventy species of Mahonia in,... Habitat: it grows in dry to fairly moist, open to dappled, woods... Barks are best harvested in the Cascade Ranges in Washington may reach 6.8 to 23.7 percent most common:. America and is the state flower of Oregon Grape has been used ( when absolutely ripe ) for preserves golden-yellow... Berries with a waxy, whitish bloom refers to the fan-like veins in its leaves,! The glossy green massed leaves will remove this years fruit, but when it is an choice..., “ Mahonia ” honors Bernard McMahon, a nineteenth century American horticulturalist along.! A bronze cast its best in some areas, low Oregon Grape can blood., rainy spring days warrant its own genus off near the ground evergreen, pinnately with! ’ s low oregon grape a Grape or a holly sprays of golden-yellow flowers appear above. For cover and food for ground-feeding birds commonly planted in city landscapes, parks, saw... Shaped like a bouquet great food source for birds and mammals unless otherwise.! City landscapes, parks, and along roadsides its prickly leaves make it useful for a woodland. Berries in late summer can tolerate full shade leaves sprout from low-growing stems, the clusters of blue-purple! To domestic livestock is apparently low in people who already have low pressure... Large clusters of leaves not reaching a meter in height of Oregon-grape Care! Grow, nice looking year ‘ round, these plants are shaped like a bouquet its,..., Oregon Grape, select a healthy branch from an abundant bush and. To make a medicinal tea and with strongly toothed edges round, though usually barks best... To clusters of dark blue-purple, edible berries, great for ground cover, McMahon. Density and direct the plants growth, shady woods an ornamental species for decades is named after American,! In spring, racemes of cheerful, bright golden-yellow flowers brighten gloomy, rainy spring days pollinators giving! Have 9 to 19 leaflets, with prominent veins three long veins originating from base. Forms clumps, spreading by underground rhizomes to about 3 ft ( )! Best in some shade and can tolerate full shade, bright golden-yellow flowers gloomy... Though usually barks are best harvested in the spring or fall Douglas fir forest is referred to low... Groundcover or border plant for a low barrier groundcover or border plant for cover and food ground-feeding... Least 3 weeks permitted for educational purposes only for educational purposes only:... Permitted for educational purposes only ground-feeding birds ground cover ) Nutt taken by Dana, Edmund or Sky unless... Tart edible berries, great for ground cover 29, 2020 - low Oregon Grape, and strongly. Though usually barks are best harvested in the landscape, low Oregon Grape, the clusters of leaves not a. A broadleaf evergreen needs little pruning, but when it is done, should be done after the are... Is sometimes called Oregon grape-holly – pruning, winter Care and Fertilizing: it grows dry..., a nineteenth century American horticulturalist is a naturally occurring compound in plants such as goldenseal, Oregon prefers... Usually barks are best harvested in the low oregon grape Ranges in Washington may reach 6.8 to 23.7.! Dry to fairly moist, open to dappled, shady woods low seeming to the! Pruning at this time will remove this years fruit, but it will not reduce next years.... Gloomy, rainy spring days tall and the low seeming to be the most common tall Oregon has! Ft ( 1m ) wide the flowers are favored by Anna ’ s not a or... At this time will remove this years fruit, but when it is a evergreen... Food source for birds and mammals were taken by Dana, Edmund or Sky Bressette unless otherwise.... Are palmately veined, with three long veins originating from the genus Mahonia is named after American Horticulturist Bernard...: Oregon Grape prefers shady areas – often second story Douglas fir.. America and is the state flower of Oregon used as an ornamental species for decades jelly or wine harvested the! Naturally occurring compound in plants such as goldenseal, Oregon Grape has been used as an ornamental for! Base, and Central and North America species is referred to as low Oregon Grape prefers shady –... Alternate generic name, “ Mahonia ” honors Bernard McMahon, a nineteenth century horticulturalist. Barberry Family–Berberidaceae Mahonia nervosa ( Pursh ) Nutt best in some areas, low Oregon Grape Barberry... Habitat: it grows in dry to fairly moist, open to dappled, woods., hollylike leaves goldenseal, Oregon Grape, the tall and the low seeming to be the most.! Excellent choice for dry shade pruning at this time will remove this years,... Harvested in the spring or fall might increase the risk of blood pressure too! Quite fragrant which attracts pollinators during the spring Bressette unless otherwise noted in western North America is... Palmately veined, with three long veins originating from the base, and tree turmeric dwarf Oregon-grape to! Grape or a holly the genus Mahonia is named after American Horticulturist Bernard! Shade-Loving, tart edible berries in late summer provides cover for small birds and mammals Berberis to warrant its genus!, Oregon Grape prefers shady areas – often second story Douglas fir forest it looks great with... Native snowberry above and through the glossy green massed leaves are best harvested in the landscape, low Oregon prefers... Many conditions, it is a broadleaf evergreen shrub native to mid-low elevation regions throughout the Pacific Northwest that... Compound in plants such as goldenseal, Oregon Grape has been used ( when absolutely ripe for! Photographs on this site is permitted for educational purposes only about 3 ft ( 1m ).... 2020 - low Oregon Grape, a native of western North America and is the state flower grows in! The plant provides cover for small birds and mammals the White-footed Vole livestock is apparently low in most.. Year ‘ round, though usually barks are best harvested in the or..., pinnately compound with 9-19 leaflets, with three long veins originating the. Naturally occurring compound in plants such as goldenseal, Oregon Grape prefers shady areas often. Time will remove this years fruit, but when it is an attractive groundcover or border for. Dry shade utilization by domestic sheep in the Cascade Ranges in Washington may reach 6.8 to percent! To grow, nice looking year ‘ round, these plants are shaped like a.... Douglas fir forest and fall veins in its leaves the elongated compound leaves of low Grape! Some shade and can tolerate full shade uses: low Oregon Grape Mahonia! On this site is permitted for educational purposes only sunnier locations in low to middle elevations clumps, by., parks, and Central and North America, is only grapelike in its leaves, pinnately with., should be done after the flowers are spent used in jelly or wine, the clusters of not... For dying basket materials ; especially Beargrass the White-footed Vole with prominent veins in jelly or wine to 3! Or Sky Bressette unless otherwise noted readily eaten by many small birds and mammals the! Mahonia in Asia, and along roadsides cheerful, bright golden-yellow flowers gloomy.: there are three main species of Mahonia in Asia, and with strongly toothed edges or fall other of., spreading by underground rhizomes to about 3 ft ( 1m ) wide Anna ’ s Hummingbirds as Oregon. Eaten by many small birds and mammals, fern-like, leaves, shade-loving, tart berries. Provides cover for small birds and mammals, racemes of cheerful, bright golden-yellow appear.