"Berberis aquifolium is a species of flowering plant in the family Berberidaceae, native to western North America. It is the state flower of Oregon. In California, it grows throughout the mountains and foothills of northern and central California, and in Southern California, it grows primarily in the Transverse Range Mountains, Sierra foothills and higher elevations of the Peninsular Range. It is an evergreen shrub growing to 2 m (6 ft) tall by 1.5 m (5 ft) wide that spreads slowly by rhizomes. The leaves are dark green and holly shaped, and will often turn to hues of red and purple in the winter. Dense clusters of mildly fragrant yellow flowers are produced in early spring. The flowers are followed by spherical dark dusty blue berries, which give rise to the common name "Oregon grape". The Oregon grape is not related to true grapes, but gets its name from the purple clusters of edible berries whose color and slightly dusted appearance are reminiscent of grapes. There are three recognized varieties in the wild that were previously treated as separate species. Var. repens is a low growing form. There are also several cultivars available.
M. aquifolium is easy to grow, and a popular subject in shady or woodland plantings. It is valued for its striking foliage and flowers, which often appear before those of other shrubs. It is resistant to summer drought, tolerates poor soils, and does not create excessive leaf litter. It prefers shade or part shade, but appears to do reasonably well in full sun too. It's very drought tolerant once established, but tolerates summer water well, up to 1x/week."
companions with iris, renuncula, yarrow, wild ginger. Note that some understory is wet and some dry. Mahonia will go both ways. so up hill is dry.
available at Rolling River for $8 may be small.
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