Mahonia Aquifolium (Berberidaceae)

Commonly called Oregon grape this evergreen shrub grows upright and often leggy with stiff leathery leaves that resemble holly. The foliage turns red in the winter. It has bright yellow flowers in long and wide terminal racemes in the spring, early summer that give way to blue-black berries resembling grapes. It is the state flower of Oregon. It performs best in moist, well drained, acid soils. Needs protection here at the northern edge of it’s range. Avoid strong winter sun and desiccating winds. The roots of the plant were used medicinally by the Northwest natives as an antibacterial and as a digestive stimulant. The yellow roots contain berberine which is also found in golden seal.