Scientific name: Mahonia x media ‘charity’
Family: BERBERIDACEAE
Common names: “Oregon grape charity”
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Conditions:
Zone: 7-9
Light: Full sun – semi-shade
Exposure: Sheltered from cold winds
Soil: Humus rich average soil
Moisture: Well drained, moist
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: H 10-15′ W 12′
Leaf and Stem shape: Each pinnate leaf has 17-21 pointy leaflets
Flower: 10-14″ racemes of yellow flowers, blooms late November-December, poducing blue-black fruit
Pruning: Can be coppiced but better to thin out older crowded branches, will break from heading back cuts
Maintenance: Low
Landscape use: Grows naturally in a woodland setting, great barrier plant, 12 month interest
Propagate: By seed and semi-hardwood cuttings
Pests & Disease: None
*Deer resistant, ♥Attracts Hummingbirds
Comments: The berries are delicious
Cultivars: Mahonia x media ‘winter sun’ ~AGM winner, blooms Jan-Feb
Vancouver Island Grows 