Species library · Berries & fruit

Foraging Oregon Grape

Berberis aquifolium

Typically in season from April to September in the northern hemisphere. Found in Woodland edges, Scrub & hedgerows, Disturbed ground. Has toxic lookalikes, so check carefully.

Oregon Grape (Berberis aquifolium)

Photo: Megan Blackmore · CC0

When Oregon Grape is in season

Typical window in the northern hemisphere, peak April to September. The southern hemisphere runs about six months offset, and your own timing depends on local weather, so check your town.

→ Everything in season to forage in July

Where it grows

Oregon Grape is usually found in Woodland edges, Scrub & hedgerows, Disturbed ground.

⚠ Look-alikes & safety

Toxic look-alikes: European holly, Common privet, Heavenly bamboo. Only forage with a confident ID.

Take Oregon Grape into the field

Open Oregon Grape in the Forage app for its full field guide entry with more photos, key features and toxic lookalikes to check against. Add it to your watchlist and the app pings you the moment it comes into season at your exact spot, worked out from live weather, elevation and billions of occurrence records.

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Oregon Grape: common questions

When is Oregon Grape in season?

Oregon Grape is generally in season from April to September in temperate northern regions. The exact timing shifts with latitude, elevation and each year's weather. Check the Season Finder for your own location.

Where does Oregon Grape grow?

Oregon Grape is usually found in Woodland edges, Scrub & hedgerows, Disturbed ground.

Is Oregon Grape safe to forage?

Toxic look-alikes: European holly, Common privet, Heavenly bamboo. Only forage with a confident ID. Never eat any wild plant, berry, nut or mushroom unless you are completely certain of the identification. Check every find against a reliable field guide, and when in doubt, don't.

One note before you head out

Forage helps you discover and identify wild plants, but identification is never 100% certain. Many edible plants have toxic lookalikes. Never eat anything you find based only on what this app tells you. Always confirm with a field guide, an experienced forager or a local expert. The season score tells you where to look, too: it’s not a guarantee. Mind conservation law and property rights as well.

Species photos via Wikimedia Commons and iNaturalist · full credits