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Photo of Mahonia pinnata flower, foliage, form by Stan Shebs

Photo by Stan Shebs

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.

Mahonia pinnata

Also Known As

Berberis pinnata
Berberis pinnata subsp. pinnata
California Barberry
California Oregon-Grape
Wavyleaf Barberry

Plant type

shrub

size

H: 4'-7'
W: 4'-5'

planting zones

7a-10b

More Options

Mahonia pinnata plant details

Mahonia pinnata is an easy to grow broadleaf evergreen shrub with. In spring yellow flowers emerge followed by black and blue fruit. Attracts bees, birds, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in clay, gritty, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Mahonia pinnata

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: berberidaceae
Mature size: 4 FT - 5 FT - wide, 4 FT - 7 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring

GROWING CONDITIONS for Mahonia pinnata

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer, heat
Soil needs: clay, gritty, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Previously known as Mahonia pinnata, this smallish shrub will reach 4'-8' in mature height, and slowly creeping runners allow it to form dense drifts over time. This is a nice looking, dark green evergreen shrub that grows in shady north slopes, rock outcroppings, seeps and springs and even chaparral slopes of the inner Coast Ranges. The glossy leaves make this Berberis very desirable. The plants are beautiful and easy, though slow to grow. Just wait until spring: brightly colored new growth with bronze, copper, and reddish hues; 1"-2" long clusters of yellow flowers followed later by edible, dark blue autumn berries! Native to California and is also found outside of California, but is confined to western North America. Great source of nectar for bees. All barberry species were used to treat wounds, eczema, and all manner of skin problems. Berberine has strong anti-microbial and fungicidal properties, aside from being particularly astringent and anti-inflammatory. It is said to make a good eyewash. Found in rocky exposed places and woody slopes. Communitites located in Douglas-Fir Forest, Redwood Forest, Mixed Evergreen Forest, Closed-cone Pine Forest Between 0 and 3937 feet.

By: The Watershed Nursery

Evergreen shrub 6-8' tall. Similar to Berberis aquifolium but with a more erect habit. The wavy-edged and spine-tipped leaves blush maroon in cold weather and are accented by yellow flowers in spring. Watch for suckering habit. Best in partial shade with moderate water. Hardy to 0F. California.