Shrub
Oregon grape
Berberis aquifolium
An evergreen shrub with sharply toothed leaves, yellow spring flowers and dark fruit. It grows best in partial shade with well-drained soil. Root suckers can extend its spread, and foliage may turn purple in winter.
- Size
- 1–2 m high · 1–2 m wideVaries by cultivar
- Light
- Partial shade / Full shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Winter
- Hardy
- Seasonal form
- Evergreen
- Maintenance
- Low
Before planting
- Choose partial or full shade and humus-rich, well-drained soil, ideally acidic to neutral. Full sun increases the risk of leaf scorch or drying.
- Allow for a shrub about 1–2 m wide and control root suckers, which can expand the area it occupies.
- In cold, exposed sites, shelter the shrub from drying winds and strong winter sun.
Why choose it
- Leathery evergreen leaves give the planting structure through winter.
- Yellow spring flower clusters contrast with the dark foliage.
Care
- Water regularly after planting and during prolonged drought once established, without waterlogging the roots.
- Routine shaping is unnecessary. Prune after flowering if needed and remove unwanted suckers.
- Wear gloves when handling: the stiff, sharply pointed leaf margins can prick skin.
Good to know
- Mahonia aquifolium is a widely used horticultural name; Kew treats the same species as Berberis aquifolium.
- Bark, leaves, roots and sap can be toxic to people if swallowed. Do not consume them; reports of edible fruit flesh do not make the whole plant edible.