Tall Oregon Grape

All our seeds are 100% Canadian Grown, Processed-by-Hand, Non-GMO, Certified Organic, and Open Pollinated. From our 10-acre Seed Farm in Metchosin, BC since 2004.

Quick Notes

• Hardy native shrub with holly-like leaves
• Early yellow blossoms feed pollinators from February onward
• Grows well in both shade and sun; drought tolerant
• Produces antioxidant-rich blue-purple berries
• Excellent for jam, jellies, wine, and natural dyeing

About Tall Oregon Grape
Tall Oregon Grape is a resilient, evergreen native shrub with distinctive glossy, holly-like leaves and bright yellow flowers that bloom in late winter. Thriving in both shaded understory and sunny garden edges, this plant offers year-round interest and habitat value. By early summer, it produces clusters of purple-blue berries that are tart, nutritious, and packed with antioxidants and pectin—perfect for preserves, wine, and herbal remedies. Its strong roots and adaptability make it an excellent low-maintenance addition to native, edible, or permaculture landscapes.

Where Can You Grow Tall Oregon Grape?
Well-suited to Zones 5–9, it flourishes in woodland gardens, shaded slopes, or mixed native hedgerows. It tolerates a wide range of soil types and, once established, is drought resistant.

History and Historical Uses
Used traditionally by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest for both food and medicine, Tall Oregon Grape was valued for its berries and its deeply coloured roots, used to make vibrant yellow dye. The plant continues to be appreciated today for its ornamental value, wildlife support, and role in herbalism as a digestive and liver tonic.

Canadian Zone Information
Zones 8–9: Plant outdoors in fall or spring; tolerates dry summer conditions once established.
Zones 5–7: Mulch in first year and choose sheltered location for best overwintering.
Zones 3–4: May survive in protected areas with winter cover; mulch heavily.

How to Grow and Harvest Tall Oregon Grape
Planting: Sow seed outdoors in fall or cold stratify before spring planting. Plant in part shade to full sun.
Watering: Water well during establishment; drought tolerant thereafter.
Harvesting: Pick berries when deep purple-blue for culinary use.
Maintenance: Prune lightly to shape if needed; no major pests or diseases.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply
Collect Ripe Berries: Harvest when berries are fully coloured and soft.
Extract Seeds: Mash berries and separate seeds from pulp.
Dry and Store: Rinse and dry seeds before storing.
Store: Store in cool, dark place; cold stratification improves germination.

Certified Organic By
Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)