Oregon Grape

Mahonia repens (Lindl.) G. Don

Oregon grape barely qualifies as a shrub, being only a foot or so tall, but it is quite striking in appearance. It bears fragrant yellow flowers followed by blue berries (if male and female plants are present). The glossy dark-green leaves, which look a bit like holly, turn red in the fall. The fruits, which are high in vitamin C, are said to make fair jelly, but you probably won’t want to eat them straight off the plant.

Height: 6-12”
Width: up to 2’
Water needs: moist to dry
Exposure: full sun (in wetter areas) to part shade
Availability in nurseries: common
Native range: most of the western U.S. (WY native)
Plant family: Berberidaceae

Photo by Jennifer Thompson

Oregon Grape in bloom

Photo by Brenna Marsicek

Oregon Grape fall colors

Photo by Brenna Marsicek