Berberis Repens
Berberis Repens, more commonly known as the creeping Oregon grape, or holly grape, is named for the mechanism of its growth, repens meaning creeping. Berberis repens grows in open woods spreading above ground by means of woody roots or rhizomes. This U.S. native perennial dicot typically is located at an elevation between 1210 to 3340 meters and is most commonly found in the western and mid-western states and up into British Columbia, Canada.
However, because of its moderate shade and temperature tolerance and only medium moisture use, this plant has the capability to live in a range of habitat from colder eastern coast regions to areas of drought.
Berberis Repens is an evergreen shrub that grows to be about 2 feet tall at maturity. It has 2-inch crinkly, spiny, deep green to rusty-red holly-like leaves and clustered bright yellow flowers which bloom in late spring through early summer. These flowers are followed by blue berries which have a sweet-and-sour taste and may be used for jelly.
The generic name Mahonia, used until recently, honored Irish-born Philadelphia horticulturist Bernard M' Mahon (1775-1816). M'Mahon had access to the plant specimens from the Lewis and Clark expedition and grew various plants, including this one, from seeds returned by the Lewis and Clark expedition (the site of collection for this plant is unknown-probably Northern Idaho in 1805 or 1806.)
