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The Forest Service National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources (RNGR) is a leading source of technical information for nurseries and land managers regarding production and planting of trees and other native plants for reforestation, restoration, and conservation.

 
NPN Protocol Details Image

Mahonia (repens)

Mark E. Majerus
USDA NRCS - Bridger Plant Materials Center
99 South River Road, Rte. 2, Box 1189
Bridger, Montana 59014-9718
(406) 662-3579
(406) 662-3428 (fax)
mmajerus@mt.nrcs.usda.gov
http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/mtpmc
Family Scientific Name: Berberidaceae
Family Common Name: Barberry Family
Scientific Name: Mahonia repens (Lindl.) G. Don
Common Synonym: Berberis repens Lindl.
Common Name: Creeping Oregon grape
Species Code: MAHREP
Ecotype: NRCS accession number 9078266, ecotype from Avalanche area of Glacier National Park and NRCS accession number 9081463, ecotype from the Old Faithful Overlook area of Yellowstone National Park.
Propagation Goal: plants
Propagation Method: seed
ProductType: Bareroot(field grown)
Stock Type: 3+0 bareroot
Time To Grow: 3 Years
Propagule Collection: Fruit collected by hand.
Propagule Processing: Fruit is readily macerated in a DybvigT. Float off light seed and debris with water then spread the seed on kraft paper in a warm dry place for 24 to 48 hours. If necessary, use a fanning mill to remove chaff.
Growing Area Preparation/
Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:		 For bareroot production, rototill seedbed to break up clods and loosen soil prior to sowing. Lightly firm seedbed with a roller or packer prior to sowing with a belt seeder or drill. Sow seed at a density that results in the production of 6 to 8 plants per linear foot. Given an estimated 30 to 50% germination rate, we sow about 25 seeds per linear foot. Fall sowing usually results in good germination the next spring. As a standard practice, we cover seedbeds with excelsior mat to maintain soil moisture and reduce animal predation. This species can be held over as 3-0 stock because of its small stature.
Harvesting, Storage and Shipping: Bareroot plants are harvested as dormant 2-0 or 3-0 stock as soon as the ground thaws in early spring. A "U" blade mounted to a 3-point system on the back of a tractor is used. Beds are undercut in two directions (lengthwise) prior to using the blade to lift the plants. Bundles of 10 to 25 plants are tied together, trimmed to a uniform size, then the roots packed in moist sphagnum or peat moss wrapped in plastic. The plants are stored in a walk-in cooler maintained at 34 to 37øF and 80+% relative humidity until needed and then shipped in heavy wax coated boxes as priority ground mail early in the week.
Length of Storage: Bareroot plants store for well for several weeks in a walk-in cooler maintained at34 to 37øF and 80+% humidity.
Other Comments: The germination of some seed lots and ecotypes is low or erratic. Overall, a relatively easy to grow species.

Citation:

Scianna, Joe. 2003. Propagation protocol for production of Bareroot(field grown) Mahonia repens (Lindl.) G. Don plants 3+0 bareroot; USDA NRCS - Bridger Plant Materials Center Bridger, Montana. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2024/07/02). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.