ExplorePlants

Cascade Oregon-grape

Berberis nervosa

The Cascade Oregon-grape is a small shrub with shiny green leaves and bright yellow flowers. It produces blue berries that are loved by birds and can be used to make jelly!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Cascade Oregon-grape has tough, spiny, evergreen leaves that are shiny dark green and resemble holly. Its bright yellow flowers grow in upright clusters, turning into powdery blue, grape-like berries in late summer. In fall, its leaves can take on purplish-red hues.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRanunculalesFamilyBerberidaceaeGenusMahonia
Cascade Oregon-grape
flowering trait badgeshrub trait badgeevergreen trait badgefruit_bearing trait badge
Cascade Oregon-grape

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Despite its name, Oregon-grape isn't a true grape; it's related to barberries!

Indigenous peoples historically used parts of this plant for traditional medicines.

Its stiff, spiky leaves make a great hiding spot and shelter for small forest creatures.

The plant's roots and inner bark can be used to make a yellow dye for fabrics!

Special abilities

Ability

Year-Round Greenery

Cascade Oregon-grape has thick, waxy, evergreen leaves that help it stay green and make food all year, even in winter!

Ability

Tart Berry Shield

Its tart berries are a tasty treat for birds and other animals, helping spread its seeds widely across the forest floor.

Ability

Tough Roots

This plant has a strong root system that helps it find water and nutrients, even in dry or poor soils.

Measurements & details

Height
30-90 cm
Spread
30-120 cm
Flower Size
0.5-0.8 cm
Bloom Season
Late winter to early spring
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

eaten by

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

eats berries, spreading seeds

eaten by

American Black Bear

Ursus americanus

forages for berries in late summer

pollinates

Western Bumble Bee

Bombus occidentalis

attracts with bright yellow early spring flowers

shelters

Northern Alligator Lizard

Elgaria coerulea

hides amongst its dense, spiky leaves

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always ask an adult before picking any berries or plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Cascade Oregon-grape?

30-90 cm

How wide does Cascade Oregon-grape spread?

30-120 cm

How big are the flowers on Cascade Oregon-grape?

0.5-0.8 cm

When does Cascade Oregon-grape bloom?

Late winter to early spring

Is Cascade Oregon-grape edible?

Yes

Is Cascade Oregon-grape toxic?

None

What is Cascade Oregon-grape's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Cascade Oregon-grape pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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