The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: compact Oregon-grape, compact Oregon hollygrape

Family: Berberidaceae (barberry family)

Synonym: Berberis aquifolium 'Compactum'

Distribution: Species native to n.w. North America

Hardiness: USDA Zone 5

Life form: Evergreen shrub

Comments: This broadleaf, evergreen selection grows slowly to 3' tall and wide. Individual leaflets are spiny but not particularly prickly. It has bright yellow flowers in April, followed by dark blue fruit in late summer. New foliage emerges reddish, turning bronze then dark, lustrous green through the summer. Fall color is dark purple. Best used in the shrub border, entrance or foundation.