What soil does Oregon grape grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, acidic.

Is Oregon grape hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Oregon grape toxic to dogs?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to dogs.

Is Oregon grape toxic to cats?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to cats.

Is Oregon grape toxic to children?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to children.

How far from the house should Oregon grape be planted?

Plant it at least 1 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How far apart should Oregon grape be planted?

Planted on its own, it needs 80 cm between plants. For a hedge, allow 2.5 plants per metre.

When does Oregon grape flower?

Flowering: March–May, yellow.

How much water does Oregon grape need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Oregon grape cost?

It sells for roughly €18 to €23 in local shops, depending on size.

Oregon grape

Mahonia aquifolium

Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is a shrub. Light: part shade, shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Non-toxic to dogs and cats, mildly toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €18.

Illustration of Oregon grape — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A slow-growing evergreen shrub with glossy, holly-like, spiny-edged leaves that copes with shade and part shade under trees, where few other shrubs look good. In early spring it carries clusters of yellow, lightly scented flowers followed by blue-bloomed berries (very sour raw, good cooked into jam or syrup), and the foliage turns burgundy and bronze for winter. Give it a spot sheltered from wind and expect it to form a slowly widening colony from suckers.

Watch out for

It tends to escape from gardens: birds spread the seed and its colonies thicken by suckers. It is spreading in the wild in several parts of Western and Central Europe (in Belgium it forms dense stands in dunes, grasslands and woods) and occasionally escapes in Hungary too; in Germany it is on the federal observation list of potentially invasive species and the Austrian state forestry advises against planting it, while it is not on the EU list or the Hungarian invasive list. Do not plant it next to semi-natural woodland or protected land, pull out the suckers and cut off the spent flower clusters if you do not want the fruit. The leaves scorch in hot sun, in windy sites and in frosty, sunny winter weather (it leafs out again in spring) and may turn yellow on limy soil. Rust, powdery mildew, leaf spot, aphids and scale insects occur.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 1.2 m × 1.2 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D March–May, yellow

Group	Shrub
Light	Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	1.2 m × 1.2 m
Ultimate size	0.9–2 m × 0.6–1.5 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Acidic
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	March–May, yellow
Harvest	July–August
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	yes
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	at least 1 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	80 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic
For cats	Non-toxic
For children	Mildly toxic
Typical price	from about €18

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €18 – €23

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants for shade Ground cover plants Plants for shade Shrubs for part shade Plants that are non-toxic to dogs Plants that are non-toxic to cats Hedge plants Evergreen hedge plants Evergreen plants Shrubs for pollinators Low-maintenance shrubs Flowering shrubs Fragrant plants Fragrant shrubs Plants with autumn colour Shrubs with autumn colour Plants with edible fruit

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