Oregon grape

Berberis aquifolium Pursh

Family: BerberidaceaeZones: 5a-8b per NC State Plant Toolbox

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

bark, leaves, roots, sap/juice

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

ingestion, skin (spines)

Hazard route

ingestion; spines can scratch

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

ASPCA lists Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. ASPCA's page uses the former genus name. ASPCA is the only source we found, and one source is not enough to call a plant safe for pets, so it is not assessed as safe. Keep pets from eating it.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Berberis aquifolium, not on the common name.. Naming trap: the plant is sold and written as both 'Mahonia aquifolium' and 'Berberis aquifolium' (NC State: previously known as Mahonia aquifolium; ASPCA still uses Mahonia). NC State flags Berberis aquifolium as often confused with B. bealei, B. x aquisargentii and B. x hortensis.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 5a-8b per NC State Plant Toolbox
Light: NC State: dappled sun or partial shade; colour bleaches in full sun but it needs a few hours of sun a day to flower; dislikes summer heat.
Water needs: low
Mature size: NC State: 3-6 ft tall, 2-5 ft wide; slow growing; tends to sucker and form colonies

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon