Plant Guide

Return to Main Deer Resistance Qualities

Latin Name	Mahonia repens
Common Name	Creeping Mahonia
CA Native	California Native
Plant Type	Ground Cover
Size	1' - 3' x 1.5' - 3'
Flower Color	Yellow
Bloom Time	Spring
Leaves	Dark Green
Evergreen	Evergreen
Deer Resistant	Rarely Damaged
Wildlife Value	Attracts Beneficial Insects, Bees, Seed and Fruit for Birds
Growth Rate	Moderate
Hardiness	Hardy
Adverse Growth Factors	None
Special Features	Attractive Berries, Erosion Control, Fall Color, Fragrance, Low Maintenance
Water Use	Drought Tolerant, Low
Soil pH	5.5-6.4 (acid)
Exposure	Partial Shade, Shade
Soil Type	Not Particular
Drainage	Good Drainage
Description and Cultural Plant Tips	Mahonia repens is a ground cover that looks very much like a dwarf English Holly. The fragrant yellow flowers are produced for about two months in the spring. They produce a large dark blue berriy with a white dusting. They are edible when fully ripe and can even be used for making jam. They need a frost or two to make them really sweet so in Marin they can be picked in late fall and frozen for a short period before they are used. The berries will stay on the bushes through the winter if the birds don't get them. The leaves turn from bronze to purple with some yellow and red leaves mixed in. It spreads from underground stolens and above ground by suckering. It is resistant to oak root fungus. In nature it grows best under evergreen canopies whose needles help to acidify the soil. Great for a dry shady hillside. Plant slightly above grade in any type of slightly acidic soil with good drainage. Water well after planting and mulch in a 2' - 3' diameter circle around plant. Will struggle in full sun and have reduced foliage. If planted in deep shade, it will not produce many flowers. Therefore, In the hotter parts of Marin, light shade is recommended. In coastal Marin this plant will tolerate some direct sun. It is drought tolerant but it will spread faster with a little summer water. This plant is much loved by bees and butterflies. The berries are a great draw to birds.