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Native alternative(s) for Berberis repens:
Berberis canadensis Form
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Berberis darwinii flower and leaves
Rhaphiolepis indica Rhaphiolepis indica
Smilax smallii Form (Moore County, NC)-Early Fall

Creeping Mahonia Berberis repens

Other Common Name(s):

Other plants called Creeping Mahonia:

Previously known as:

  • Mahonia repens
Phonetic Spelling
BER-ber-is reh-PENZ
Description

This is a broadleaf evergreen that is often used as a ground cover due to its height and spread. It spreads by stolons, long thin slightly underground or overground stems, parallel to the ground. New shoots arise along the stems. Flowers occur on the new upright additions to the stems.   

The center of the plant is sometimes open which may reduce its attractiveness. As a ground cover, however, it can be an effective erosion control on hillsides due to its rooting and matting tendencies. It may need to be planted in a protected area away from harsh or drying winter sun and wind. It should not be planted an overly dry location but once established it can tolerate periods of drought.

In April or early spring flowers attract many pollinators. The yellow clusters of flowers have a lightly fragrant scent. In late summer the flowers transition to dark edible, though sour tasting, berries that are attractive to birds and other wildlife. 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#full sun tolerant#fragrant flowers#drought tolerant#yellow flowers#winter interest#security plant#showy fruits#small mammals#blue-green leaves#spines#prickly#blue fruits#edible fruits#border planting#pollinator plant#leathery leaves#evergreen shrub#food source summer#cover year-round#evergreen groundcover#nectar plant spring#bird friendly#food source soft mast fruit#perennial#hedge#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#full sun tolerant#fragrant flowers#drought tolerant#yellow flowers#winter interest#security plant#showy fruits#small mammals#blue-green leaves#spines#prickly#blue fruits#edible fruits#border planting#pollinator plant#leathery leaves#evergreen shrub#food source summer#cover year-round#evergreen groundcover#nectar plant spring#bird friendly#food source soft mast fruit#perennial#hedge#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Berberis
    Species:
    repens
    Family:
    Berberidaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Western Canada to Western & Central U.S.A
    Wildlife Value:
    Pollinators visit the flowers. Birds and small mammals are attracted to fruits. The plant provides year-round cover
    Edibility:
    Edible fruits though they are sour.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Edible
    Ground Cover
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Coarse
    Appendage:
    Prickles
    Spines
    Thorns
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Black
    Blue
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Summer
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Blackish blue berries arise from the flowers in late summer. The berries are often in a grape-like arrangement, hence one of its common names of Creeping h. Birds like the berries and they are edible for humans but can be quite sour in taste. One use is for jellies.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Bell
    Flower Petals:
    6 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Blue
    Green
    Purple/Lavender
    Leaf Feel:
    Leathery
    Prickly
    Smooth
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    Red/Burgundy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Leaves are oval, similar to holly leaves with spines, 1-2 inches in length. The leaves are compond pinnate, meaning that a stem holds several, 3-7, leaflets on each side which makes up one compound leaf. Leaves feel dull and leathery, again like hollies. There are multiple spiny teeth on the sides of the leaflets. Leaf color is bluish-green in summer and a purplish shade in winter.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Edible Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Rock Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Hedge
    Security
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Small Mammals
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Problems:
    Spines/Thorns