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Mahonia nervosa
dwarf Oregon grape
Western North America from British Columbia to northern California, east to IdahoLearn more
Key Features
Attracts PollinatorsAttracts ButterfliesDeer ResistantDrought TolerantContainer Friendly
Native to North America
Maintenancevery low
Overview
A low-growing, suckering broadleaf evergreen shrub reaching 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 m) tall and 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) wide. Growth rate is slow, adding 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) per year. Spreads gradually by underground rhizomes to form loose colonies. Leaves are pinnately compound, 10-18 inches (25-45 cm) long — proportionally large relative to the plant's stature — with 9-19 (commonly 11-15) holly-like leaflets, each 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) long with spiny, serrated margins and prominently raised parallel veins on the underside (the feature giving the species its name, 'nervosa'). New growth emerges reddish-bronze, maturing to glossy dark green by summer. In winter, foliage develops purple, reddish-purple, or bronze tones, more pronounced in sun-exposed sites. Flowers appear in March to May in erect terminal racemes 3-8 inches (8-20 cm) long, bright yellow, each individual flower approximately 0.3 inches (8 mm) across. Fruit is a cluster of globose berries approximately 0.3 inches (8 mm) in diameter, ripening to dusty blue-black with a glaucous bloom by July to August. Berries are tart and edible. Inner bark is bright yellow from berberine alkaloid. Generally more shade-tolerant than M. aquifolium, and performs better in deep shade under coniferous canopy. Less susceptible to rust and powdery mildew than M. aquifolium in well-ventilated sites. Hardy to approximately -10°F (-23°C).
Native Range
Native to western North America from British Columbia south through Washington, Oregon, and northern California, with populations extending into Idaho. Found naturally in the understory of coniferous forests — particularly Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), and western red cedar (Thuja plicata) forests — from sea level to approximately 5,000 feet (1,500 m) elevation. One of the most common native understory shrubs in Pacific Northwest lowland forests.Suggested Uses
Commonly used as a native groundcover or understory planting in woodland gardens and naturalized areas at 2-3 foot (0.6-0.9 m) spacing. Suitable for planting beneath native conifers where it re-creates the natural Pacific Northwest forest understory layer. Tolerates competition from tree roots and dry shade. Provides erosion control on shaded slopes. Berries are consumed by birds and can be harvested for preserves. Suitable for containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L) for shade patios.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Colors
Flower Colors
Foliage Colors
Bloom Information
Flowers from March to May in USDA zones 5-8. Erect terminal racemes 3-8 inches (8-20 cm) long bear bright yellow flowers, each approximately 0.3 inches (8 mm) across. Bloom lasts 3-4 weeks. Dusty blue-black berries with a glaucous bloom ripen in July to August. Flowers provide early-season nectar for native bees, bumble bee queens, and other pollinators emerging in spring.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Reddish-bronze new growth; glossy dark green in summer; purple to bronze in winterGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-4 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
Plant in partial to full shade in moist, well-drained, acidic to slightly acidic soil (pH 5.0-6.5). Performs best in the dappled shade conditions of its native forest understory; tolerates deep shade under conifers where few other plants thrive. Full sun causes leaf scorch and faded foliage color. Water occasionally during extended summer dry periods in the first two years; established plants tolerate typical Pacific Northwest summer drought without supplemental irrigation. Mulch with 2 inches (5 cm) of organic material, simulating the natural forest duff layer. Less susceptible to rust than M. aquifolium but may develop leaf spot in humid conditions. Slugs may damage new growth in wet spring conditions.Pruning
Minimal pruning required. Remove damaged or winter-burned leaves in early spring before new growth begins. Cut back occasional tall, leggy stems to ground level to maintain compact form. Do not shear; the natural rosette-like form is the desired growth habit. Established colonies can be thinned by removing individual stems at ground level if the planting becomes too dense.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons