Plant of Merit: Oregon grape-holly

Plant of Merit: Oregon grape-holly

What: Mahonia aquifolium is commonly known as Oregon grape-holly. It has superb garden value due to its yellow spring flowers, that are followed by blue-black berries and very colorful foliage. It is a small shrub but prickly like holly, so careful placement is important. Birds flock to this shrub due to its grape-like berries. Its colorful foliage is a perfect addition to holiday wreaths and displays.

Where: Mahonia aquifolium is a woodland plant but also does well at the base of larger shrubs where it is protected from afternoon sun.

Size: It is a diminutive shurb at 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide.

Find it: Mahonia aquifolium can be found in most full-service nurseries.

— Sandra Schumacher

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

‘Easy to Please’: The hot pink color of this beauty made it instantly popular locally, and those who grow it rave about how clean and floriferous it is for the garden. Moderate clove fragrance helps take this variety to the next level as well. (Sunnyside Nursery)
The Golfing Gardener: For the love of roses

One of the most frequent questions asked over my many moons of… Continue reading

Roger Sweet, left, creator of He-Man, signs Andy Torfin’s Funko He-Man box during a meet and greet at BobaKhan Toys & Collectibles on Saturday, April 13, 2019 in Everett, Wash. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Wife of He-Man co-creator starts GoFundMe for his care

Roger Sweet, an early Masters of the Universe designer, now lives in memory care that costs $10,200 a month.

Camellia (Sunnyside Nursery)
The Golfing Gardener: Valentine’s Day goodies for everyone

It is February and one of my favorite holidays is upon us…… Continue reading

Brandon Tepley does a signature Butch pose while holding a vintage Butch head outside of his job at Mukilteo Elementary where he is dean of students on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 in Mukilteo, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
The secret life of Butch T. Cougar, WSU mascot

Mukilteo school dean Brandon Tepley and other mascots talk about life inside — and after — the WSU suit.

2026 Forester Wilderness photo provided by Subaru Media
Subaru Forester adds new Wilderness trim For 2026, increasing versatility

Safety, flexibility, creature comforts all at the ready

Cherry Sweetheart. (Dave Wilson Nursery)
The Golfing Gardener: Cheerful Cherries

As we continue to work through the home orchard, sweet and delicious… Continue reading

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid compact SUV.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid has a new powertrain

A series-parallel system replaces the former plug-in hybrid setup.

‘A story worth telling’: Snohomish County did it before Woodstock

Local author J.D. Howard reminds readers of The Sky River Rock Festival, a forgotten music milestone.

Children play and look up at a large whale figure hanging from the ceiling at the Imagine Children’s Museum (Olivia Vanni / The herald)
Curiosity lives here in Snohomish County’s best museums

Explore the spaces locals love for learning, inspiration, and discovery.

Cars drive along Colby Avenue past the Everett Historic Theater on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Banff Film Festival returns to Everett on Feb. 27

The festival will showcase a variety of films centering on the outdoor community, including Banff’s 2025 Best Film winner, “Best Day Ever.”

The new “Lift Zone” at the Granite Falls Boys and Girls Club will offer free WiFi, 3D printers, desktop computers and laptops, robotics kits and multimedia production equipment. It will also have live-streaming capabilities, host resume-building and job-search workshops, and offer academic support programs.
New “Lift Zone” opens at the Granite Falls Boys Girls Club

Thanks to $60K contribution from Comcast, Lift Zone offers free WiFi, 3D printers, desktop computers and laptops, robotics kits and multimedia production equipment.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.