dwarf Oregon-grape Berberidaceae Mahonia nervosa (Pursh) Nutt. symbol: MANE2 Leaf: Alternate, pinnately compound (oddly), alternate, persistent; 10 to 18 inches long, 11 to 21 broadly lanceolate leaflets each 2 to 3 inches long. Leaflets are dark, glossy green above and paler green below; thick, waxy cuticles and spined teeth along their margins; lateral leaflets are opposite and sessile, while the terminal leaflet has a petiole; leaflets lack a distinct midrib. Flower: Perfect, small bright yellow flowers are borne in long, upright racemes. Fruit: Small (3/16 inch), dark blue berries, edible, but sour. Twig: Unbranched; compound leaves emerge directly from main stem. Main stem is stout and brown; leaves are clustered at the terminal end. Lanceolate bud scales persist for several years. Bark: Reddish brown, scaly and rough. Form: A short, erect, unbranched evergreen shrub seldom over 3 feet fall. Looks like: creeping mahonia - tall Oregon-grape Additional Range Information: Mahonia nervosa is native to North America. Range may be expanded by planting. See states reporting dwarf Oregon-grape. External Links: USDAFS Additional Silvics USDA Plants Database © Copyright 2015, Virginia Tech Dept. of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, all rights reserved. Photos and text by: John Seiler, Edward Jensen, Alex Niemiera, and John Peterson