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Oregon grape Berberis aquifolium

Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Berberidaceae family, native to Western North America (Pacific Northwest). It grows 60 cm–1.8 m (24 in–5.9 ft) tall and 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and low water, and is hardy to about -29 °C (-20 °F). Space plants about 1 m (3.3 ft) apart.

Plan Oregon grape in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.

Oregon grape at a glance

TypePerennial shrub, evergreen
FamilyBerberidaceae
Mature height60 cm–1.8 m (24 in–5.9 ft)
Mature spread1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft)
Spacing1 m (3.3 ft) centre to centre
SunPart sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day
WaterLow; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none
Soil pH5.5–7.5
Cold hardinessAbout -29 °C (-20 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4)
Heat stressLikely above about 32 °C (90 °F)
Floweringfrom about March for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones)
Wind toleranceModerate
Pollinator valueHigh
EdibleYes: berries (tart; jam, jelly)
Native toWestern North America (Pacific Northwest)
Common in gardens of🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany
Invasive inCentral Europe (naturalised, e.g. Germany): check local rules before planting

Is Oregon grape toxic?

Berberine and related alkaloids occur in roots and bark; the ripe berries are eaten but are very tart.

If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.

Companion planting: what to grow with Oregon grape

No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and low water.

See Oregon grape in a botanical garden

It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:

Questions about Oregon grape

How far apart should I plant Oregon grape?
About 1 m (3.3 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft).
Does Oregon grape need full sun?
Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
How much water does Oregon grape need?
Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
How cold-hardy is Oregon grape?
It tolerates about -29 °C (-20 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
When does Oregon grape flower?
From about March for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
Is Oregon grape poisonous to cats and dogs?
For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Berberine and related alkaloids occur in roots and bark; the ripe berries are eaten but are very tart.
What grows well with Oregon grape?
There is no well-documented companion pairing for Oregon grape. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (low).

Sources and evidence

Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).

Notes and assumptions

Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.

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