Mahonia Aquifolium

Mahonia aquifolium (Berberidaceae) is a broadleaf evergreen shrub native to western North America from British Columbia to Oregon. It grows to about 8 feet tall and 5 feet wide, bearing spiny, holly-like pinnate leaves that turn bronze to purple in winter. Bright yellow flowers appear in terminal racemes (5 to 7 cm) in early spring, followed by edible blue-black berries (8 mm) with a waxy bloom.

Tall Oregon grape thrives in part shade on well-drained soil (pH 5.0 to 8.0) with low moisture needs. It is drought tolerant once established and tolerates renovation pruning (removing 90 to 95 percent of top growth). The compact cultivar 'Compacta' (2 to 3 feet) suits smaller spaces. Documented problems include powdery mildew, Botrytis bunch rot, grape erineum mite, brown marmorated stink bug, and spider mite. It is the state flower of Oregon. Hardy in Zones 2b to 8b.