Plant Database
Creeping Oregon Grape
Mahonia repens
Mahonia repens (syn. Berberis repens), commonly known as Creeping Oregon Grape or Creeping Mahonia, is a low-growing, spreading evergreen shrub prized for its year-round ornamental interest, edible fruit, and exceptional shade tolerance. Native to the Pacific Northwest, including California, it forms a dense, spreading ground cover of glossy, holly-like, compound leaves with spiny margins. The deep blue-green foliage takes on attractive bronze-purple tones in winter. In spring, it produces clusters of bright yellow flowers that are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators, followed in late summer by abundant clusters of edible, blue-black berries that are excellent for jams and jellies and are a valuable food source for birds. An outstanding choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, slopes, and as a low-maintenance ground cover.