Oregon grape for birds in Idaho
Evergreen with yellow spring flowers and blue summer fruit. Native to Idaho, where it feeds or shelters 30 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Mahonia aquifolium
- Native status
- Native in Idaho
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–7b
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries, nectar
- Idaho birds supported
- 30
- Nesting birds among them
- 29
Growing conditions in Idaho
Semi-arid sagebrush plains along the Snake River and forested mountains to the north and center.
Hot, dry summers in the Snake River Plain and cool mountain summers.
Idaho birds that use Oregon grape
Year-round residents (10)
House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling, Canada Jay, Juniper Titmouse, Spotted Towhee, Band-tailed Pigeon
Summer breeders (19)
Gray Catbird, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Eastern Kingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Western Bluebird, Mountain Bluebird, Fox Sparrow, Varied Thrush, Black-headed Grosbeak, Bullock's Oriole, Hermit Thrush, Pine Grosbeak, Gray Catbird, Western Tanager, Yellow-breasted Chat, Red-eyed Vireo, Ash-throated Flycatcher
Winter visitors (1)
Cold winters with inversions in the valleys; mountain finches and Bohemian Waxwings move into towns.
Nesting season it supports in Idaho
Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Oregon grape:
- House Finch — April–August
- American Robin — April–July
- Northern Flicker — April–June
- Pileated Woodpecker — April–June
- Gray Catbird — May–July
- Cedar Waxwing — June–August
- Yellow-rumped Warbler — May–July
- Eastern Kingbird — May–July
- European Starling — April–June
- Canada Jay — March–April
Native plants to pair with Oregon grape in Idaho
Early spring blooms fuel returning Rufous Hummingbirds.
Spring flowers for Rufous Hummingbirds, early fruit for thrushes.
Frequently asked
Is Oregon grape native to Idaho?
Yes. Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is recorded as native in Idaho. Idaho spans USDA 3b–7b.
What birds does Oregon grape attract in Idaho?
In Idaho, Oregon grape supports 30 backyard birds, including House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Gray Catbird, Cedar Waxwing.
Does Oregon grape help nesting birds in Idaho?
29 of those birds nest in Idaho: House Finch (April–August), American Robin (April–July), Northern Flicker (April–June), Pileated Woodpecker (April–June).
Which winter birds use Oregon grape in Idaho?
Winter visitors Bohemian Waxwing use it in Idaho during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Idaho
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.