I am often asked “How do you tell the difference between Oregon grape and European Holly?!” 🍃
It can be tricky to tell the difference between these two plants as they both have leathery, green, prickly leaves 🍃!
Oregon grape has less prickly leaves that grow out opposite from one another on the stem and grow flat. European/English holly has much more prickly leaves that do not grow out opposite from one another. Their leaves are staggered up and around the stem. Oregon grape grows edible blue berries, while Holly grows inedible bright red berries. These plants only have fruits at certain times of year, so it’s good to know how to differentiate between the leaves in case the berries are not out! 😁
Oregon grape is a native species that grows in the Pacific Northwest of North America. European or English holly is an introduced and invasive species from, you guessed it, Europe.
Invasive species pose a threat to native plants and animals through taking over land and space that native plants could occupy. This therefore poses a threat to biodiversity!
