Mahonia aquifolium
Sold as: Bare Root Plants
Tall Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is an evergreen shrub with pinnate leaves consisting of spiny leaflets, and dense clusters of yellow flowers in early spring, followed by dark bluish-black berries.
Warning: This species has high transplant shock and mortality! This species will naturally defoliate within the first month of planting (leaves turn brown and fall off). Many people mistake this behavior as dying. Continue to care for this plant and it should sprout new leaves by late spring or early summer. Get them in the ground right away, hydrate roots prior to planting by soaking in a bucket for several hours, water them at time of planting, and keep soils moist through its first spring and summer to help with mortality.
Classification: Perennial
Key Characteristics: Fruit, yellow flower
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Water Requirements: Dry to moist soil
Ease of Growing: Moderate
Growth Rate: Moderate
Bloom Time: March–June
Spreads: By rhizome
Benefits: Wildlife, Rain garden, Pollinators, Beneficial insects, Wildfire resistant, Riparian zones, Deer resistant, On Portland Plant List, Hummingbirds
Edible: Yes
Mature Height: 5–8 feet
Mature Width: 2–8 feet
