Berberis aquifolium (Oregon grape)

Leaf shape: Pinnate with ovate to elliptical single leaves
Phyllotaxis: Alternate (leaflets), opposite (single leaves)
Colour: Dark green, light green, red, reddish brown
Life cycle: Perennial, evergreen

Leaf (upper side)

Oregon grape green leaves — The leaflets consist of several individual leaves.

Oregon grape red leaves — Oregon grape with red leaves in February.

Oregon grape single leaves — The single leaves can be wavy at the edges. They are covered with thin spines.

Habitus & biology

Oregon grape is an evergreen shrub and can reach up to three metres in height. Its leaves can turn red in winter. However, cultivated forms with red leaves are also available. It spreads by seed and short runners.

Oregon grape habitus — Habitus of Oregon grape in February.

Distribution & habitates

The original area of distribution of the Oregon grape is in the west of the USA (source). In many European countries it is used as an ornamental plant and has become naturalised.

Oregon grape in front of a car park. It grows under the roosting tree of rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri), which are common in some parts of Germany.

Oregon grape grows in sunny to shady locations. It is cultivated in parks and gardens. In the wild, it can be found growing along roadsides, shrubbery edges or on embankments.

Oregon grape in a park — Oregon grape on a shady spot in a park.

Botany

Oregon grapeor holly-leaved barberry is a member of the barberry family (Berberidaceae). There is currently no consensus among botanical experts as to whether it should be classified as Berberis aquifolium or Mahonia aquifolium.

Leaf (upper side)

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