Species PlantsOregon Grape

Oregon Grape

Mahonia aquifolium

CommonPlant
Illustration of Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium)

Oregon Grape is the state flower of Oregon, a holly-leaved evergreen shrub producing bright yellow flowers in spring and clusters of blue-black berries in summer. The berries are tart but edible and were an important food source for indigenous peoples. It thrives in the understory of Pacific Northwest forests and is highly tolerant of shade.

Habitat
Understory of coniferous and mixed forests of the Pacific Northwest
Diet
Berries eaten by band-tailed pigeons, coyotes, foxes, and bears
How common
Common

Best time to see a Oregon Grape

The best time to see a Oregon Grape is March–June, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 18,089 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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