Plant of the Month - May 2005: 'Oregon-Grape Holly'

Mahonia aquifolium, commonly known as ‘Holly-leaved barberry’ or ‘Oregon grape holly’ is a natural plant extract from the forests of North America. It has been successfully used for a variety of purposes such as medical treatments, as well as culinary purposes.
 
The leaf of Mahonia aquifolium is about 6 to 12 inches long, dark glossy green, and has thick and waxy surface with sharp teeth along the margins. The small, bright yellow flowers and small (3/16 inch), dark blue berries that blossom during fall and early winter have a sweet and sour taste that attract birds and butterflies to the garden. Its berries are used to make wine and brandy, but mostly jelly. 
 
Mahonia aquifolium has a strong tolerance to any kind of weather, water and soil conditions. It can survive without water for periods and grows best with dry soil, but it also thrives with regular watering and humidity. Since it does not mind sun or shade, it is mostly used for parking lot landscaping where the beauty of the flowers and fruits are appreciated but excessive care to grow or maintain the shrub is not required.

Miramar Wholesale Nurseries grows a wide variety of perennials, shrubs, and trees at each of their three locations for projects in and around the region. Their fully stocked will-call facilities in San Diego, Irvine/Lake Forest, and San Juan Capistrano serve the needs of commercial properties, institutions, property managers, landscape contractors and ground maintenance companies.