Longleaf Mahonia Cascade Mahonia

You encounter Longleaf Mahonia (Cascade Mahonia) in understory shade of Douglas-fir and western redcedar forests throughout the maritime Pacific Northwest. This low groundcover's long pinnately compound leaves and creeping rhizomes mark the forest floor in cool, moist settings.

Longleaf Mahonia stays under 2 feet tall with exceptional height potential (to 7 feet) on favorable sites, spreading by rhizomes in shade to part shade with moderate moisture. Hardy and tolerant of varied soils, it performs best in acidic, moist woodlands. Like its taller relative, it tolerates heavy renovation pruning in late winter. Watch for rust, leaf spot, powdery mildew, and lecanium scale; these issues appear regularly in PNW landscapes.