Invasive Oregon Grape

Description:

While native to the western United States (but not to Utah), Oregon Grape and its various cultivars (Berberis aquifolium, syn. Mahonia aquifolium not to be confused with our local native species, Creeping Oregon Grape, Berberis repens which was at one time treated as a variety of aquifolium) has been extensively planted in northern Utah residential and commercial landscapes. The problem is that it is aggressive (reproduces in three ways: sexual, selfs, as well vegetatively) and has spread to riparian corridors as well as to into dry natural open spaces (in Salt Lake County in numerous places, for example). It is reported to be invasive in Belgium and Australia.Horticultural introductions often lead to invasion.April 1, 2017, Salt Lake County, Utah foothills open space, elev. 4890 ft. (1490 m). Single plant spread into natural area from landscaped plantings.