Creeping Oregon grape

Mahonia repens

Formerly Berberis repens. Creeping evergreen subshrub up to 12 in. tall with deep blue berries from bright yellow flower clusters, blooming April to September. Occurs on well-drained, dry to moist soils in coniferous forests, woodlands, shrublands, plains, riparian and occasionally wetland habitats; up to 11,000 ft. elevation. Intolerant of poor drainage and high water tables; tolerant of strongly acid to mildly alkaline soils. Rhizomatous, sprouting with or without wildfire. Heat, sun and shade tolerant and makes excellent landscaping groundcover. Poor palatability to livestock but important food to some wildlife, especially as elk winter forage and summer berries for bears. Pollinated by bees and butterflies. Nectar source for Johnson’s hairstreak butterfly.