Tall Oregon Grape

$4.25

Berberis aquifolium aka Mahonia aquifolium, M. piperiana
(also known as Oregon grape-holly, Holly-leaved barberry, Oregon hollygrape, Mountain grape, Mountain holly)

zones 3-7
30 seeds

Tall Oregon Grape, the state flower of Oregon, is an evergreen shrub with holly-like leaves. It provides year-round interest and has long been valued for its use in the landscape and home garden. Bright yellow flowers in spring are very popular with early pollinator species. Flowers are followed by juicy purple berries in summer that are a favorite of birds (our chickens are particularly fond of them!). And it stays green through the winter, making excellent material for holiday decorating (tip: growing it in the shade will keep the leaves green; the leaves turn red with sun exposure)

Oregon grape has many uses including medicine, dye, and food. The berries are beloved for jams and jellies.

Seeds are best sown in a cold frame in autumn. The seeds have a hard seed coat and scarification with sulfuric acid for 20-30 minutes followed by 2-3 months of cold stratification will help the embryo to develop. Place the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. If sufficient growth is made by the summer, it is possible to plant them out. Otherwise grow them in a cold frame for the first winter and plant the following spring after the last frost.

Berberis aquifolium aka Mahonia aquifolium, M. piperiana
(also known as Oregon grape-holly, Holly-leaved barberry, Oregon hollygrape, Mountain grape, Mountain holly)

zones 3-7
30 seeds

Tall Oregon Grape, the state flower of Oregon, is an evergreen shrub with holly-like leaves. It provides year-round interest and has long been valued for its use in the landscape and home garden. Bright yellow flowers in spring are very popular with early pollinator species. Flowers are followed by juicy purple berries in summer that are a favorite of birds (our chickens are particularly fond of them!). And it stays green through the winter, making excellent material for holiday decorating (tip: growing it in the shade will keep the leaves green; the leaves turn red with sun exposure)

Oregon grape has many uses including medicine, dye, and food. The berries are beloved for jams and jellies.

Seeds are best sown in a cold frame in autumn. The seeds have a hard seed coat and scarification with sulfuric acid for 20-30 minutes followed by 2-3 months of cold stratification will help the embryo to develop. Place the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. If sufficient growth is made by the summer, it is possible to plant them out. Otherwise grow them in a cold frame for the first winter and plant the following spring after the last frost.