Range Plant n A
Leaflet A v
Reprinted January 1979
Oregon Grape
(Mahonia aquifolium)
Where does it grow? Oregon grape (Mahonia
aquifolium) mainly grows in the Douglas-fir forests
of Western Oregon, from the sea to the mountain tops.
It is the state flower. There are closely related
creeping forms found all over the forested parts of
Oregon, both East and West. One low-growing form is
"creeping holly-grape" (Mahonia repens). All forms
tend to grow in the shade.
Oregon grape—the official
flower of Oregon—is a
showy, forest-loving shrub
with shiny, holly-like
leaves and yellow flowers.
Is it important? From a forage standpoint, no.
But it is an important plant because (l) it is widely
used as an ornamental; (2) the berries are used for
Jam, jelly, and wine; (3) the Indians used it for
medicine and dye; (k) birds feed on the berries;($) it
beautifies the landscape at any time of the year. Seme
form of Oregon grape is found in every Oregon county.
What does it look like? Oregon grape may grow up
to 8 feet high or more. Creeping holly-grape usually
grows only 6 inches high or less. Both have hollyshaped, thick, rather leathery leaves with several leaflets caning frao a central
stem. Groups of yellow flowers grow at the ends of the stems in May at most elevations. In September, the round, beautiful, dark blue berries ripen; leaves are
very shiny on the upper side and turn copper-colored and brown in the winter.
Description;
Height—Fram a foot up to 10 feet.
Kind of plant—Stiff, upright shrub.
is a ground-loving, low shrub.
The close relative, creeping holly-grape,
Life—A long-lived perennial.
Flowers—Attractive yellow clusters at the tips of the stems.
Stems—SBooth bark, which is bitter and used as a laxative medicine. The wood
is bright yellow, used by Indians as a yellow dye for leather. Taste the
bark. It's bitter.
Leaves—Ccnrpound (several leaflets fran a central axis). Shiny above, pale
green below. Leaf margins have a saw-toothed effect, each point quite sharp.
Leaves stay an. all winter. Aquifolium means "sharp leaf."
Fruit—Clusters of dark blue berries, used for jellies and jams,
to eat seme berries, better wait until frost.
Does it look like anything else?
'USI EXTENSSON
If you want
nothing but holly resembles this plant.
OREQON STATE UNIVERSITY
£3 SERVICE
Eztansion Sarviea, Oragon Slatm University, Canrallls, H«nry A. Wadsworlh,
tfucad and dlatributvd In furtharanc* of ttw Acts of Congrass of May S and
cooparativo program of Oragon Slat* Unlvarsily, (ha U. S. Dapartmeol of
Extension invjtea participation in its programa and offer* them equally to
director. Tfiia publication waa proJuna 30, 1914. Eitonaion work is a
Agricultura, and Oregon counties.
all people, wilhout discrimination.