Washington · Shrub

Oregon grape for birds in Washington

Evergreen with yellow spring flowers and blue summer fruit. Native to Washington, where it feeds or shelters 29 backyard bird species.

Scientific name: Mahonia aquifolium
Native status: Native in Washington
Hardiness zones: USDA 4a–9a
What birds get from it: fruit and berries, nectar
Washington birds supported: 29
Nesting birds among them: 27

Growing conditions in Washington

Marine west-coast climate west of the Cascades, semi-arid shrub-steppe to the east.

Dry, sunny summers west of the Cascades; hot in the Columbia Basin.

Washington birds that use Oregon grape

Mild, wet winters on the Puget Sound; cold winters in the east.

Nesting season it supports in Washington

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
Purple Finch — May–July
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

Native plants to pair with Oregon grape in Washington

Golden currant

Ribes aureum · Shrub

Early yellow flowers for hummingbirds, then summer fruit.

Red-flowering currant

Ribes sanguineum · Shrub

Early spring blooms fuel returning Rufous Hummingbirds.

Salmonberry

Rubus spectabilis · Shrub

Spring flowers for Rufous Hummingbirds, early fruit for thrushes.

Smooth sumac

Rhus glabra · Shrub

Red fruit heads hang on through winter.

Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana · Shrub

Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.

Red-osier dogwood

Cornus sericea · Shrub

White fruit and red winter stems; good thicket cover.

Frequently asked

Is Oregon grape native to Washington?

Yes. Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is recorded as native in Washington. Washington spans USDA 4a–9a.

What birds does Oregon grape attract in Washington?

In Washington, Oregon grape supports 29 backyard birds, including House Finch, Purple Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Gray Catbird.

Does Oregon grape help nesting birds in Washington?

27 of those birds nest in Washington: House Finch (April–August), Purple Finch (May–July), American Robin (April–July), Northern Flicker (April–June).

Which winter birds use Oregon grape in Washington?

Winter visitors Pine Grosbeak, Bohemian Waxwing use it in Washington during the cold months.

Sources

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.