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Berberis aquifolium
tall Oregon-grape
British Columbia south through Washington and Oregon to northern California; conifer forest understory, oak woodlands, and shrub thickets
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Overview
Berberis aquifolium is tall Oregon-grape (holly-leaved barberry), an upright evergreen shrub growing 3-6 feet (90-180 cm) tall and 4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 m) wide. Bright yellow fragrant 6-petaled flowers form in dense erect terminal racemes 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in March-April (4 weeks); edible blue-black powdery berries follow in summer. Glossy dark green pinnately compound leaves with 5-9 holly-like spine-toothed leaflets bronze to dark red-purple in winter cold and full sun. Family Berberidaceae; some authorities reclassify the species as Mahonia aquifolium. Designated the state flower of Oregon in 1899. Native to British Columbia south through Washington and Oregon to northern California; the species occurs in conifer forest understory, oak woodlands, and shrub thickets. Spreads slowly by underground rhizomes to form colonies. The yellow March-April flowers are an early-season nectar source for native bees. Blue-black berries are tart and have been used for jellies and wine, often mixed with sweeter fruits. Roots and inner bark contain berberine (a yellow alkaloid) used historically for dye and medicinal applications. Spiny leaves can cause physical injury during handling. Berries contain berberine and oxalates and are toxic to pets in quantity. Drought-tolerant once established. Deer-resistant. Susceptible to leaf spot and Berberis rust (Cumminsiella). Hardy in zones 5-9. Grown in part shade to full sun, with foliage color most intense in sun. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Native to British Columbia south through Washington and Oregon to northern California. Found in conifer forest understory, oak woodlands, and shrub thickets. Designated the state flower of Oregon in 1899.Suggested Uses
Berberis aquifolium is grown as a native evergreen accent in mixed borders, foundation plantings, wildlife gardens, hedgerows, and dry shade gardens, and in containers of at least 10 gallons (38 L), spaced 4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 m) apart. Berries are edible (tart) and toxic to pets in quantity. Spiny foliage causes injury during handling. State flower of Oregon. Hardy in zones 5-9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 6'
Width/Spread4' - 8'
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
Early to mid spring (March-April). Bright yellow fragrant 6-petaled flowers form in dense erect terminal racemes 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) for about 4 weeks. Visited by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds as an early-season nectar source. Edible blue-black powdery berries follow in summer.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Bright yellow, small 6-petaled, fragrant, in dense erect terminal racemes 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) long; March-April; followed by clusters of edible blue-black powdery (waxy bloom) berries in summer that resemble small grapes — the source of the common name 'Oregon-grape'.Foliage Description
Glossy dark green pinnately compound leaves with 5-9 holly-like spine-toothed leathery leaflets, each leaflet 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm); foliage bronzes to dark red and reddish-purple in winter cold and full sun (the species epithet aquifolium references the holly resemblance — Aquifolium is a synonym of the genus Ilex).Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grown in part shade to full sun with 0-6 hours of direct sun; foliage color is most intense in full sun. Soil tolerates clay, sand, rocky, or loam with a pH of 5.5-7.0. Drought-tolerant once established. Spreads by underground rhizome. Spiny holly-like leaves cause physical injury during handling. Berries contain berberine and oxalates and are toxic to pets in quantity. Hardy in zones 5-9.Pruning
Pruned after flowering (May-June) to shape; the oldest stems are cut to the base every few years to rejuvenate. Tolerates renovation pruning. Spiny foliage causes injury during handling.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons