When does Mahonia repens bloom?

Mahonia repens blooms in April and May, producing bright yellow flower clusters.

What pollinators visit Mahonia repens?

Bees and butterflies are attracted to the yellow flowers of Mahonia repens during its spring blooming period.

Where is Mahonia repens native?

Mahonia repens is native to Washington and other western North American states, thriving in partial shade with low water requirements.

What growing conditions does Mahonia repens prefer?

This shrub tolerates partial sun to shade conditions and has low to medium water needs, making it drought-tolerant once established.

Is Oregongrape toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Oregongrape as toxic to livestock.

Is Oregongrape HOA-friendly?

Oregongrape is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Oregongrape

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Mahonia repens

Last reviewed: July 2026

Mahonia repens is a low-growing evergreen shrub native to Washington and western North America. It produces clusters of bright yellow flowers in April and May that attract bees and butterflies.

Oregongrape (Mahonia repens) — Photo: Mary Vaux Walcott / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Oregongrape as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 24"–48" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

CA, CO, ID, KS and 8 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range

Oregongrape is a low-growing native shrub with glossy, holly-like leaves that turn bronze-red in fall. It produces clusters of bright yellow flowers in spring followed by blue berries, and spreads slowly by underground runners to form colonies.

Growing Oregongrape

Grow Oregongrape in part shade and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Oregongrape is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The spring flowers attract bees and early butterflies, while the berries feed birds and small mammals. The dense, spiny foliage provides excellent nesting and shelter habitat.

Common questions

When does Mahonia repens bloom?: Mahonia repens blooms in April and May, producing bright yellow flower clusters.
What pollinators visit Mahonia repens?: Bees and butterflies are attracted to the yellow flowers of Mahonia repens during its spring blooming period.
Where is Mahonia repens native?: Mahonia repens is native to Washington and other western North American states, thriving in partial shade with low water requirements.
What growing conditions does Mahonia repens prefer?: This shrub tolerates partial sun to shade conditions and has low to medium water needs, making it drought-tolerant once established.
Is Oregongrape toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Oregongrape as toxic to livestock.
Is Oregongrape HOA-friendly?: Oregongrape is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Oregongrape? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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