by Shelley Patterson

Out walking here on Anarchist Mountain, as the snow recedes quickly but true spring growth still feels out of reach, I’ve been noticing low-lying clusters of burgundy, red, and lime-green glossy leaves exposed now on the damp forest floor. Watching for signs of spring is one of my favourite rituals. There is more birdsong now, more movement in the trees, and certainly more squirrel, deer and coyote activity with these mild temperatures and lengthening days.

It’s this splash of colour of these little shrubs that caught my eye— also cheerful and quietly determined growth in small masses that inspired this article.

The plant I’m admiring is commonly called Oregon grape, not the winter icon holly-even though it’s  leaves are often mistaken for it. Here on Anarchist Mountain, the species most commonly found is Mahonia aquifolium (also known botanically as Berberis aquifolium).

Despite this shrub often being mistaken for holly it is not related to true holly species. Instead, it is a hardy native evergreen shrub perfectly suited to our dry, rocky soils and fluctuating mountain climate.

Growing Patterns

Oregon grape is a low to medium-height shrub, typically growing between 30 cm and 1 metre tall in our area. It spreads through underground rhizomes, forming the clustered patches we see tucked beneath ponderosa pines and along open slopes. Those glossy, spiny leaves emerge reddish-bronze in early spring, mature to a deep waxy green in summer, and often turn striking burgundy or purple in winter — especially after exposure to cold temperatures.

It thrives in partial shade but tolerates sun, making it highly adaptable. Once established, it is remarkably drought-resistant — an important trait on Anarchist Mountain. In early to mid-spring, bright yellow flower clusters appear, lightly fragrant and highly attractive to early pollinators. By late summer, these flowers give way to dusky blue berries with a silvery bloom.

Uses and Benefits

Oregon grape is far more than a seasonal beauty.

• Wildlife Support: The early blossoms provide nectar for bees and other pollinators when little else is in bloom. The berries feed birds and small mammals later in the season.
• Edible Berries: Though quite tart, the berries can be made into jellies, syrups, or blended with sweeter fruits.
• Medicinal History: Indigenous peoples traditionally used the bright yellow inner bark and roots for medicinal purposes. The plant contains berberine, a compound studied for antimicrobial properties.
• Erosion Control: Its spreading root system helps stabilize soil on slopes and disturbed areas.

What impresses me most is its resilience. Buried under snow, enduring below-freezing temperatures, and still emerging glossy and vibrant — it feels symbolic of mountain life itself. These sharp-leaved, good-tidings plants are not just a December decoration. They are a four-season companion on our walks, quietly thriving where many others cannot.

And perhaps that’s why, this year when I noticed these colourful leaves shining through melting snow, lifeless brown remnants of winter- a great reminder-Spring really is patiently on its way.