Oregon Grape Berberis aquifolium

Oregon grape holly is an evergreen, medium shrub in the barberry family (Berberidaceae) native to the western United States, from Oregon to central Mexico. It is found growing as an understory plant of forests. The genus name comes from the Latinized form of the Arabian name for the fruit. The specific epithet is Latin for sharp leaves referring to the spines. This plant is the state flower of Oregon, hence its common name. 

The shrub grows 3 to 6 feet tall and and 2 to 5 feet wide in an upright form with few branches. It is drought tolerant and slow-growing plant with a tendency to sucker and form colonies.  It grows best in light shade, as color will bleach out if grown in full sun but does require a few hours of sun per day to flower. It also dislikes summer heat. Outside of its native habitat it can become invasive.

Two to three-inch racemes of yellow flowers in early spring are mildly fragrant and showy. The leaves are glossy and shiny with spines similar to holly. They turn purplish-bronze in the winter. The fruits are dark blue/purple and form in clusters similar to grapes that may persist into winter. The shrub can be pruned to size, but keep in mind that next season's blossoms and fruit will appear on old growth.

It is best planted in small groups in shade or woodland gardens. It also does well as a specimen or in foundation or shrub borders. 

Quick ID Hints:

• Odd pinnately compound, coriaceous leaves
• Holly-like leaflets with up to 12 spines per side
• Evergreen medium shrub with tiering habit
• Terminal, bright yellow flowers in early spring

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: Leaf spots, rust, and leaf scorch from sun/wind.  Chlorosis on high pH soils; leaves can look burned but stems will regrow leaves next spring. Watch for aphids, scale and whiteflies.

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.

More information on Berberis.