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Key characteristics

Family: Berberidaceae
Height: 3 to 6 feet
Width: 3 to 5 feet
Flower color: Bright yellow fragrant flowers borne in dense upright clusters
Foliage color: Glossy dark green holly like leaves often turning reddish bronze to purple in winter
Bloom time: Early to mid spring, often March to May
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Water: Low to average
Maintenance: Low; prune after flowering to shape plants and remove older stems to encourage dense growth
Growing zone: USDA zones 5 to 9
Wildlife: Bees, butterflies and birds that feed on the blue purple berries

Shrubs

Berberis (Mahonia) aquifolium

Oregon Grape

Berberis aquifolium carries glossy, holly-like leaves that emerge with bronze tones before maturing to deep green. The leathery foliage forms dense clusters along the stems and often develops rich reddish or purplish hues in cooler seasons. In early to mid spring, bright clusters of golden-yellow flowers appear at the tips of the branches. The lightly fragrant blooms are followed by deep blue berries with a dusty coating that adds ornamental interest.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Low to average

Bloom time

Early to mid spring, often March to May

Find this plant

Works well in

Shade Gardens
Woodland Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Native Gardens

Companion plants

Pieris · Hakone grass · Bamboo · Viburnum · Snowdrop · Bergenia

Design tip

Tuck this evergreen into a woodland border or beneath taller trees, where its glossy foliage can add structure and depth. Pair it with ferns, grasses, and flowering shade plants to create a relaxed, layered garden that feels naturally at home.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)