Scientific name: Mahonia nervosa
Synonym:
Family: BERBERIDACEAE
Common names: “Dull Oregon grape”
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub groundcover
Conditions:
Zone: 6-9
Light: Full sun – deep shade
Exposure: Sheltered
Soil: Slightly acidic humus rich soil high in organic matter
Moisture: Moist well drained – drought tolerant
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: H 2′ W 4′
Leaf and Stem shape: Pinnate clustered leaves with several prominent spiny teeth
Flower: Many bright yellow erect clusters followed by edible blue berry bunches
Maintenance: Low, does not respond well to pruning, best left alone, can groom out leaves
Landscape use: Woodland garden, containers, groundcover, erosion control, wildlife garden
Propagate: By seed and stolons
Pests & Disease: None in Victoria
*Deer resistant but bears eat the berries
♥Attracts hummingbirds
Comments: Edible berries with a tart flavour, native to the Pacific Northwest, shredded bark from the stems and roots was used to make a yellow dye, there are also some medicinal values in the bark and berries which can make a potent drug for liver, gall bladder and eye problems
