Berberis nervosa |
Syn. Mahonia nervosa
Native Region: British Columbia to Oregon Zone Range: 06-08 Preferred Climate: Cold to warm temperate woodland, or similarly sheltered climate Harvest Date: Tuesday 18 July, 2023 Seed count: 15-20
Description:
This evergreen shrub has short vertical stems, mostly under 30 cm (12 in), while the leaves reach higher, rarely up to 1 m (3 feet) tall. The leaves are compound, with 9-19 leaflets; each leaflet is strongly toothed, reminiscent of holly, and somewhat shiny, but less so than Tall Oregon-grape. This low growing evergreen species is an excellent choice as a tough ground cover in shady woodland conditions. Bright yellow flowers in late spring, early summer, followed by blue-black berries.
Notes: It is often found in second growth, Douglas-fir or Western Redcedar forests, making use of those pools of sunlight that intermittently reach the ground. The plant was collected by Lewis and Clark during their famous expedition to the West before being described for science in 1813.
Cultivation: For maximum freshness, please keep seed refrigerated in its original packaging until it is time to plant. Sow fresh seed in containers in the autumn and keep outdoors. If your seed order is in the winter or spring, stratify in the cold for six weeks - either outdoors or in the refrigerator. Sow stratified seed in containers in a coldframe or other moderately sheltered location. Grow on in any moderately fertile, humus rich soil in full sun or part shade.
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