oregon grape

Not a grape, but a powdery purplish-black colored blue berry that clusters like grape, with shiny holly-like leaves and clusters of bright yellow bell-shaped edible flowers. Edible berries are quite tart with large seeds. The roots have the strongest medicinal strength. Contains alkaloid berberine, which is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial to treat infections. Has a direct action on the skin when applied topically. Good for gums. Over 80% effective in relieving psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, dandruff, acne and dry scaly skin. Alkaloids extracted from the root and bark have strong anti-microbial, anti-tumor and antifungal properties, and are potent antioxidants which neutralize skin damaging free radicals. Also used for prostate, blood cleanser, kidney, liver, gallbladder, diuretic, laxative. Do not take while pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not take with licorice which cancels-out the berberine effectiveness. Inner bark and roots bright yellow and used as yellow dye. Flowers used to make lemonade-type drink.

Mentioned in

Oregon

References in periodicals archive

SHADY LADY: Mahonia aquifolium; VIBRANT: Bergenia Bressingham Ruby; EDGED IN: Epimediums

YOUR GARDEN: Cold comforts

Lipoxygenase inhibition and antioxidant properties of bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids isolated from Mahonia aquifolium. Pharmazie 51:10;758-61.

Treatment review of chronic psoriasis

WINTER FRUITS From left, winter cherries, the delicate fruits of the spindle tree (Euonymus) and Mahonia Aquifolium

Shades of autumn; The abundant leafy growth during the wet, warm weather followed by recent cold nights will pave the way for a stunning show of autumn leaves, Hannah Stephenson predicts

Others which between them flower for several months are cotoneaster horizontalis, mahonia aquifolium, geranium species, sedum spectabile, brooms and flowering current.

Busy bees; Clive Edwards explains how to buzz happily along with the bees in your garden

He shows me a garrya eliptica and its hanging catkins, tiny pale blue vinca major and minor, the flowering mahonia aquifolium and cherry laurels, with their distinct candle-shaped buds.

Park is so ready to burst into life

Mahonia aquifolium. Yellow flowers in spring and a rich display of blue --black berries in autumn.

Gardening: Free shrub* offer

A Here are three that are at their best in the worst winter weather ( all evergreen, hardy, reliable, and easily pruned for shape and size: Mahonia aquifolium, which has fragrant yellow blooms from January to March and glossy, holly-like leaves; Viburnum tinus , with clusters of pink flower buds which open white and last from December to March; and Skimmia japonica , the male form for clusters of reddish, scented flowers and the female for bunches of scarlet berries, if grown near a male.

Question of the week

Mahonia `Charity' produces long racemes of yellow flowers, lily-of-the-valley scented, early in winter while the old species Mahonia aquifolium makes up for its smaller flowers by producing them freely and scenting the air from January to April.

By any other name, it should smell as sweet

If wilt or a virus are the cause another kind of hedge could be planted, such as eleagnus, Mahonia aquifolium or spotted laurel.

Question of the week

The leaves of Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) hold their fresh, glossy, hollylike look well.

Harvest art from recycled plant scraps