Mahonia nervosa
Oregon grape
A compact, suckering, evergreen shrub to around 60cm tall with leaves made up of dark green, spiny-edged leaflets that may turn red in winter. Yellow flowers are borne in dense clusters 15-20cm long in late spring and early summer and followed by blue-black fruits
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | Blue Black | |
| Autumn | Green | Blue Black | ||
| Winter | Green Red |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Berberidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Berries are ornamental, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Mahonia are evergreen shrubs with leathery, pinnate leaves which are often spine-toothed, and clustered racemes of sometimes fragrant yellow flowers, sometimes followed by black or purple berries
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Western N America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows in most moisture-retentive soils in full or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings, by seed or by rooting suckers
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to a rust and powdery mildews
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.