Mahonia aquifolium
Berberidaceae
Shining Oregon-Grape
Woody shrub with upright to spreading stems. Stems have yellow inner bark. Leaves alternate on stem, 3–10 in. long, pinnately divided, 5–9 leaflets held along central stalk. Leaflets holly-like, leathery, shiny on upper side, dull underneath, 1–3 in. long, with a single central vein, edged with 12–29 very sharply pointed spines. Flowers bright yellow, in dense clusters at stem ends. Berries edible, dark blue, egg-shaped to round, covered with whitish waxy powder. Grows in oak woodlands, forests to sagebrush slopes, below 7000 ft. State flower of Oregon.
- Rarity: Common
- Flowering Time: Early Spring, Mid Spring, Late Spring
- Flower Form: 9-6 petals terminal head
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Height: 1–4 feet
- Habitat: Coastal, Disturbed, East-side Forest, West-side Forest
- Found In: Mt. Rainier NP, N Cascades NP, Olympic NP, Siskiyous, West Gorge
- Native: Yes
- Also Known As: Tall Oregon-Grape
- Latin Synonyms: Berberis aquifolium
