Contents
Description
Berberis Aquifolium, commonly known as Oregon grape, is a shrub that belongs to the Berberidaceae family. It is native to western North America, from British Columbia to northern California. The shrub grows up to 2 meters tall and has dark green, holly-like leaves, which turn red in the autumn. The flowers are yellow and bloom in clusters from late winter to early spring. The fruit is a blue-black berry that ripens in the late summer.
Taxonomic Information
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Ranunculales
Family: Berberidaceae
Genus: Berberis
Appearance
The leaves of Berberis Aquifolium are evergreen and spiny, resembling the leaves of holly. They are arranged alternately on the stems and grow up to 30 cm long. The shrub produces yellow flowers in clusters, which bloom from late winter to early spring. The flowers are followed by blue-black berries that ripen in the late summer. The shrub can grow up to 2 meters tall and 1.5 meters wide.
Care Guide
Berberis Aquifolium prefers a well-draining soil with a pH of 5.0 to 6.5. It can tolerate partial shade but grows best in full sun. Water the shrub deeply once a week, especially during the hot summer months. Fertilize the shrub in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Berberis Aquifolium is hardy to USDA zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Berberis Aquifolium is susceptible to rust, a fungal disease that causes yellow-orange spots on the leaves. The shrub is also prone to aphids, which can cause damage to the leaves and flowers. To control rust, remove any infected leaves and apply a fungicide. To control aphids, spray the shrub with insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Berberis Aquifolium is native to western North America, from British Columbia to northern California. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and rocky slopes. The shrub can tolerate a wide range of soil types and moisture levels.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Berberis Aquifolium poisonous?
A: Berberis Aquifolium contains the alkaloid berberine, which can be toxic in large amounts. However, the shrub is not considered highly toxic to humans or animals.
Q: How do I prune Berberis Aquifolium?
A: Prune Berberis Aquifolium in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and thin out any crowded or crossing branches. Shape the shrub as desired.
Q: Can I grow Berberis Aquifolium in a container?
A: Yes, Berberis Aquifolium can be grown in a container. Choose a large container with drainage holes, and use a well-draining potting mix. Water the shrub deeply once a week, and fertilize it in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How do I propagate Berberis Aquifolium?
A: Berberis Aquifolium can be propagated by seed or by softwood cuttings taken in the summer. Sow the seeds in the fall, or take the cuttings in late spring or early summer. Root the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix, and keep them moist and in bright indirect light.
Related Plants
- Berberis Thunbergii
- Berberis Vulgaris
- Berberis Darwinii
- Berberis Repens
References
- Dirr, M. A. (2011). Dirr’s Encyclopedia of Trees and Shrubs. Timber Press.
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Berberis aquifolium. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282418&isprofile=0&
- Sullivan, S. M. (2018). Berberis aquifolium. In: Fire Effects Information System. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory. Retrieved from https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/beraqu/all.html
