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Mahonia aquifolium
M. aquifolium grows to 1–2 m (3 ft 3 in–6 ft 7 in) tall by 1.5 m (5 ft) wide, with pinnate leaves up to 30 cm (12 in) long, each leaf made up of spiny leaflets. The leathery leaves resemble holly and the stems and twigs have a thickened, corky appearance. The flowers, borne in dense clusters in late spring, are yellow, and are followed by spherical black berries with a white bloom, which give rise to the common name "Oregon grape"
Lightly wooded areas.
Berries are extremely poisonous.
Spotted on Jan 21, 2013
Submitted on Jan 21, 2013
2 Comments
There are two varieties of Oregon Grape. They can be confused with European Holly. European Holly is poisonous. Oregon grape is not. Www.wildfoodsandmedicines.com, www.growforagecookferment.com
Mahonia aquifolium berries are only poisonous in great quantity. The berries are quite sour but can be safely used to make jams and jellies, fermented to make wine, and other culinary uses; and the leaves and roots can also be used medicinally (berberine is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial).