Mahonia aquifolium
Berberidaceae
Shining Oregon-Grape
Woody shrub with upright to spreading stems. Stems have yellow inner bark. Leaves alternate on stem, 3–10 in. long, pinnately divided, 5–9 leaflets held along central stalk. Leaflets holly-like, leathery, shiny on upper side, dull underneath, 1–3 in. long, with a single central vein, edged with 12–29 very sharply pointed spines. Flowers bright yellow, in dense clusters at stem ends. Berries edible, dark blue, egg-shaped to round, covered with whitish waxy powder. Grows in oak woodlands, forests to sagebrush slopes, below 7000 ft. State flower of Oregon.
- Rarity: Common
- Flowering Time: All Spring
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Height: 1--4 feet
- Habitat: Coastal, West-Side Forest, East-Side Forest, Disturbed
- Found In: Siskiyous, West Gorge, Mt. Rainier Np, Olympic Np, N Cascades Np
- Native: Yes
More Information:
- Latin synonyms: Berberis aquifolium
- Common synonyms: tall Oregon-grape
- More Photos
- USDA Plants Database
- CalPhotos
- OregonFlora
- E-Flora BC