Mahonia nervosa

Common Names

Cascade Oregon Grape, Long-Leaved Oregon Grape, Oregon Grape, Cascade Barberry, Dwarf Oregon Grape, Dull Oregon Grape, Longleaf Mahonia, Ribbed-Leaved Barberry

Summary

Mahonia nervosa is an evergreen shrub native to western North America, typically a low-growing, spreading plant reaching about 0.5–0.6 m tall, that forms loose ground cover via underground rhizomes. It has pinnate leaves with 9–21 glossy dark green leaflets with spiny teeth, sometimes turning purple in winter. In spring it bears erect racemes of yellow flowers, followed by blue berries with a waxy bloom.

It tolerates sun to shade and a wide range of soils, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, and is drought-tolerant once established, with best growth in shade to partial shade and moist, acidic soil. Commonly used as an ornamental ground cover or border plant for banks and slopes, it provides year-round interest with evergreen foliage, yellow flowers, and blue fruit; flowers attract pollinators and berries provide food for birds and mammals. Propagation is possible by seeds, cuttings, or suckers, and it is generally pest-free though rust and powdery mildew can occur.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

4-24 inches

Spread

1.5-3.5 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full shade; tolerates full sun to full shade and partial sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained, acidic, lime-free, humus-rich soil

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil

Soil pH

Acidic to moderately alkaline soils (broad pH tolerance from acidic through neutral to alkaline).

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring (April–June)

Foliage Color

Dark green evergreen foliage

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds