Plant Description
Berberis aquifolium
Tall Oregon Grape is a great shrub for areas with dry, gravelly, or well-drained soils. Its leaves are often mistaken for holly leaves, as they are also glossy and have sharp points. This plant is great for wildlife, as its yellow flowers will feed pollinators and its purple berries will feed birds. It is sometimes known by the scientific name Mahonia aquifolium and the common name Holly-Leaved Barberry.
A Tall Oregon Grape in bloom with yellow flowers against glossy, dark green leaves.
PLANT CHARACTERISTICS
| Characteristic | Plant Information |
|---|---|
| Height at 20 yrs | 8 ft |
| Mature Height | 8 ft |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Life Span | Perennial |
| Moisture Use | Low |
| Drought Tolerance | High |
| Deer Browse | Rarely |
| Wildlife Value | Good for pollinators and birds |
| Timber Value | None |
| Resprout Ability | Potential to resprout after wildfire or cutting |
| Hardiness | USDA Zones 5-9 |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Bloom Time | February-May |
| Habitat | Open woodlands or dry, rocky areas |
SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
| Classification | Scientific Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Clade | Tracheophytes |
| Clade | Angiosperms |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Berberidaceae |
| Genus | Berberis |
| Species | B. aquifolium |
