Oregon Grape

Oregon Grape
Some 70 evergreen shrubs and small trees belong to this genus, which grows wild in N and C America, and E Asia. It is closely related to Berberis (See, Common Barberry), differing mainly in its pinnate leaves and spineless stems. Many mahonias have handsome foliage, scented yellow flowers, and bloom-covered berries, providing a long period of interest. Smaller species, such as Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon Grape), make excellent groundcovers. Mahonia aquifolium closely resembles Berberis vulgaris (See, Common Barberry) in its chemistry and is used in similar ways. One of the main differences is the lower content of the antiseptic, anti-inflammatory berberine, which makes it less effective for infectious diseases but rather better as a liver tonic. It has been called yerba de la sangre ("herb of the blood"), indicating its importance as a blood purifier or alterative. The smaller but otherwise similar M. repens (creeping Oregon grape) is also used.

Suckering shrub with spiny, glossy, dark green leaves, to 30cm (12in) long, turning purple-red in winter. Fragrant yellow flowers are borne in terminal clusters, to 8cm (3in) long, in spring, followed by spherical blue-black berries.

Common Name:

Oregon Grape

Other Names:

Mountain Grape

Botanical Name:

Mahonia aquifolium

Genus:

Mahonia

Family:

Berberidaceae

Native Location:

Native to western N America

Cultivation:

Well-drained, rich soil in sun or partial shade. Mahonia aquifolium colors better in winter when planted in full sun. Cut back groundcover plants and old, straggly specimens hard in spring. Leafspot, powdery mildew, and rust may attack foliage.

Propagation:

By seed sown in autumn (species only); by leaf-bud or semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to autumn.

Harvest:

Roots and root bark are collected in late autumn or early spring, and dried for use in decoctions and liquid extracts. Fruits are collected when ripe and used fresh.

Variations:

Apollo Is vigourous, with a dense spreading habit, good for use as a groundcover; red-stalked, brown-tinged leaves that turn bronze in winter; and large clusters of bright yellow flowers. Height: 60cm (24in)	Compactum Has glossier leaves that turn bronze in winter. Height: 60-90cm (24-36in)
Moseri Has red-orange new foliage.	Smaragd syn.Emerald Is compact, with large clusters of flowers. Height: 60cm (24in) Width: 1m (3ft)

Height:

1-1.5m (3-5ft)

Width:

1.5-2m (5-6ft)

Hardiness:

Z5-8

Parts Used:

Roots, root bark, fruits.

Properties:

A bitter, astringent, decongestant herb that stimulates bile flow and releases toxins.

Medicinal Uses:

Internally for skin diseases (especially dry eczema), gall bladder complaints, chronic hepatitis B, catarrhal gastritis, and diarrhea.

Culinary Uses:

Berries are added to fruit pies, jams, and jellies; they are also pressed for juice, which is added to fruit drinks or made into wine.

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