Tall Oregon Grape (Berberis aquifolium)

Tall oregon grape has long been valued as a garden plant, and for good reason! This attractive evergreen shrub is adaptable to a variety of conditions, and provides interest year-round. It has upright, sparsely branched stems up to 8' tall, and glossy, dark green compound leaves with spiny margins, sometimes turning shades of bronze and red to purple. Large, showy clusters of fragrant yellow flowers bloom in the spring, attracting numerous pollinators and beneficial insects. The flowers are followed by clusters of blue fruits in the summer, which are loved by birds, and are also edible to humans. The fruits are tart when eaten fresh, and are often made into jam or wine. Tall oregon grape is perfect for hedgerows, evergreen hedges, pollinator gardens, and food forests.

Sun Exposure: Part shade to full sun, tolerates shade
Soil & Moisture: Moist, well-drained soil. Drought tolerant once established.
Mature Size: Up to 8' tall, 3'-6' wide, spreads slowly by rhizomes
Bloom Time: Spring
Edible: Yes
Wildlife Value: Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Butterfly and moth host plant. Berries eaten by birds and mammals. Provides cover and nesting sites. 
Native Range & Habitat: Open forests, forest edges, and clearings from low to middle elevations. Native to western North America from southern British Columbia, south to California and east to Alberta and Montana.
Other Names: Mahonia aquifolium