Oregon Grape, Holly-leaved Barberry
Kingdom Plantae > Division Tracheophyta > Class Magnoliopsida > Order Ranunculales > Family Berberidaceae > Genus Mahonia > Species M. aquifolium · Berberidaceae (Barberry family) · Odd-pinnately compound evergreen leaf
Species
Mahonia aquifolium (syn. Berberis aquifolium)
Leaf Type
Odd-pinnately compound evergreen leaf
Family
Berberidaceae (Barberry family)
Shape
Leaflets are ovate to oblong-elliptic with sharp spiny margins
Size
Individual leaflets are about 1.5 to 3 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide; overall compound leaf spans 6 to 12 inches
Margin
Spiny-serrate with sharp, stiff spines reminiscent of true holly
Arrangement
Alternate along the stem
Rarity
Very Common in cultivation and in its native Pacific Northwest habitat
Color & Pattern
Glossy medium to dark green upper surface, paler underside; young growth and autumn foliage turn brilliant reddish-purple or bronze as visible on the top leaves
Venation Pattern
Pinnate to reticulate with prominent, depressed veins on the upper surface
Texture & Surface
Lustrous, thick, coriaceous (leathery), and smooth (glabrous) upper surface with sharp, rigid marginal teeth
Description
An evergreen suckering shrub growing 3 to 6 feet tall, featuring thick, spiny, holly-like compound leaves. It produces bright yellow, fragrant flower clusters in early spring followed by edible, dark blue-purple berries with a powdery bloom.
Key Features
Pinnately compound leaves with 5-9 stiff, spiny-toothed leaflets, reddish young foliage, yellow inner bark, and bright yellow spring flowers
Habitat
Coniferous forests, open woodlands, rocky slopes, and shade-to-part-sun garden understories; prefers moist, well-drained acidic soils
Geographic Range
Native to western North America from British Columbia south to Northern California; widely naturalized and cultivated across North America and Europe
Condition Notes
Fair to Good condition; displays minor physical tearing, leaf miner damage, and slight browning at some tips, but maintains vibrant glossy coloration
Interesting Facts
Despite its common name, it is not related to true grapes or holly. It is the official state flower of Oregon, adopted in 1899.
Medicinal & Uses
Contains berberine in its roots and stems, traditionally used in herbal medicine as an antimicrobial and digestive aid. The tart berries are used in jellies, wines, and pies.
Ecological Role
Provides early-season nectar for bees and butterflies; berries serve as a winter food source for birds and small mammals
Similar Species
Mahonia nervosa (Cascade Oregon Grape) which has 9-19 leaflets and palmately ribbed veins; Ilex aquifolium (English Holly) which has simple alternate leaves, not compound leaves
Foraging Tips
Look for compound leaves attached to a woody central axis and check for yellow inner bark on stems. Harvest berries in late summer when fully ripe and dark purple.
Toxicity Warning
Mildly Toxic if consumed in large quantities due to berberine content; can cause stomach upset. The sharp leaf spines can cause minor physical injury.