Mahonia aquifolium Seeds | Oregon Grape
LATIN NAME: Mahonia aquifolium
COMMON NAME: Oregon Grape
Plant Profile
Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is a low, upright, evergreen shrub in the barberry family. The Oregon grape is evergreen one of shade, with holly leaves and yellow flowers of early spring. Berries have a long record as tart jelly and old tonic of the west. It is a shrub of cool, moist, well-drained, shaded ground. These traits together are what have kept the plant in gardens for so long.
Science & Biotechnology
Like other members of the barberry family, Mahonia aquifolium draws steady attention from botanists and plant breeders, who value the genus both as a subject of research and as a source of garden-worthy material. Because it has been grown for so long, its garden habits are thoroughly documented.
Uses & Benefits
Oregon Grape brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. The Oregon grape is a fine, evergreen shrub of shaded garden and wild bank. It has been written up in horticultural and herbal papers for yellow spikes and long record of root, and it is a fine, evergreen shrub of cool, moist, well-drained, shaded garden. The Oregon grape is one of early yellow shrubs of shade, and dense, upright spikes open before leaves of the canopy. Once it has settled, the workload drops to almost nothing.
Oregon grape root is rich in berberine and is a standard Western herbal bitter for digestion and skin health; the tart blue berries make jellies, and the evergreen foliage is superb for shade.
Growing from Seed
Raising Oregon Grape from seed is straightforward. Sow on the surface of a gritty, well-drained mix, cover lightly with fine compost, and maintain gentle, even moisture in a sunny position. Move strong seedlings into individual pots, keep them in good light, and set them out when the weather and their size agree.
Our Take
Once established, Oregon Grape largely looks after itself. Plant it in sun with drainage to its liking and the rest is easy.
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