Mahonia nervosa is commonly called Cascade Oregon grape. It is an evergreen suckering shrub, growing slowly to about 2 feet tall and wide. It has dark green holly-like leaves, that are much less shiny than those of Mahonia aquifolium, tall Oregon grape, and its yellow flowers, while also similar to those of tall Oregon grape are held in spikes, rather than in bunches. The blue berries of both Mahonias are similar, however tall Oregon grape tends to produce larger bunches. Cascade Oregon grape is an adaptable plant, growing in both full shade and sunnier areas. While it prefers moist locations, it can also be found in dry shade. Although it is drought tolerant once established, it will look better with supplemental water during dry periods.

In the wild, you will find Cascade Oregon grape in low to mid elevations from Southern British Columbia to Central California. We have planted it in the Buck Lake Native Plant Garden along the main path in the birch grove area, near the north entrance to the garden.

The flower of Mahonia nervosa are attractive to hummingbirds. Small mammals eat the foliage and both small mammals and birds eat the berries.

Native American tribes produced a yellow dye from the roots of this shrub and used it for dying basketry material. They also boiled the roots to made a medicinal tea.