Cascades Mahonia is found throughout the western part of Oregon occupying shady environs under the tree canopy. Low growing creeping evergreen with large deep green leaves. They emerge in spring tinted bright salmon before settling to their mature color. In spring spikes of fragrant light yellow flowers appear and then turn into small edible blue berries. Which also attracts birdlife to the forest floor. To just 2′ tall but a single plant can spread to 5′ wide in 6 years. Part shade to shade in rich, humusy soil with regular summer water. Established plants get by with nothing. Takes some patience to establish and a lot of water. Mulch annually. Moderately deer resistant. Oregon native plant.
Mahonia nervosa
Family: Berberidaceae Genus: Mahonia
Plant type: Shrub
Biomes/Growing conditions: Deer Resistance, Dry Shade, Low Water/No Water, Oregon Coast, Western Native, Willamette Valley Natives
Sun exposure: Part Shade, Shade
USDA Hardiness zone: Zn6a -5º to -10ºF
Foliage color: Dark Green
Foliage season: Evergreen