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. Please continue to care for this plant and it should sprout new leaves by late spring or early summer. Things you can do to help reduce plant mortality are 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.
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
