Oregon Grapeholly (Mahonia aquifolium)
Oregon Grapeholly (Mahonia aquifolium) is a plant native to the Pacific Northwest and are the state flower of Oregon. They are commonly found in this areas Douglas-fir forests. We spotted this one on Memorial Day while we were hiking around Michael’s parents’ property.
Oregon Grapeholly is an evergreen shrub and not related in any way to the grape. It gets its name from the clusters of purple berries which can be harvested in August and September (they are edible.) Michael says when he was a kid they tried to make a pie of out them and it was not very good because the berries were so tart. The berries an bark can be used to make dye. the berries create a purplish-red dye and the inner bark of the larger stems, as well as the roots can be used to make yellow dye.
Oregon Grapeholly is used in herbal medicine, often as an alternative to the threatened Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis.) It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties used to treat a wide range of condition (giardia, candida, viral diarrhea, cholera, eczema and psoriasis.) It also has exhibited anticancer properties which are currently being researched. (Oregon Grapeholly is not recommended for pregnant of breastfeeding women.)
Sources:
OSU Pocket Gardener
Wikipedia