How much sun does Mountain-grape need?

Mountain-grape grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Mountain-grape bloom?

Mountain-grape blooms in February, March, and April.

Where is Mountain-grape native?

Mountain-grape (Mahonia pinnata) is native to CA, OR, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Mountain-grape

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Mahonia pinnata

Last reviewed: October 2026

Mountain-grape (Mahonia pinnata) is a perennial shrub native to CA, OR. It blooms in February, March, and April. The flowers draw bees.

Toxicity unknown

Mountain-grape (Mahonia pinnata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

low

Size

36"–96" H × 36"–72" W

Bloom

Feb, Mar, Apr

Native to

CA, OR

Pollinators

bees

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

An evergreen shrub with spiny holly-like compound leaves and upright clusters of bright yellow flowers in late winter and spring. Powdery blue berries follow the flowers.

Growing Mountain-grape

Grow Mountain-grape in part sun and low water. Mature plants reach 36 to 96 inches tall and spread 36 to 72 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Early-season flowers feed bees, and the berries are eaten by birds through summer.

Common questions

How much sun does Mountain-grape need?: Mountain-grape grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Mountain-grape bloom?: Mountain-grape blooms in February, March, and April.
Where is Mountain-grape native?: Mountain-grape (Mahonia pinnata) is native to CA, OR, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Mountain-grape attract?: Mountain-grape draws bees.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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