Some Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Plateau use Oregon grape for indigestion. Mahonia Rust. Metabolism. Read on to learn about Oregon grape care. [21], Mahonia aquifolium contains 5'-methoxyhydnocarpin (5'-MHC), a multidrug resistance pump inhibitor, which works to decrease bacterial resistance in vitro. Purplish-red color in winter. The berries are a great food source for birds and mammals during the summer and fall. Adding color and splendor to the shade garden, Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon Grape Holly) is a striking evergreen shrub with multi-season interest. However, in commercial horticulture these plants are still known as Mahonia. Oregon grape holly (Mahonia aquifolium) is a handsome, 3- to 6-foot ornamental shrub that can play a number of roles in the garden. Morphology: Oregon Grape is an evergreen shrub which can grow to a height of 7’-10’ and up to 5’ wide. Mahonia aquifolium, the Oregon grape, is a species of flowering plant in the family Berberidaceae, native to western North America. Michigan Medicine: University of Michigan staff. Systematic Botany 14:565-579. It is an evergreen shrub growing 1 m (3 ft) to 3 m (10 ft)[4] tall by 1.5 m (5 ft) wide, with pinnate leaves consisting of spiny leaflets, and dense clusters of yellow flowers in early spring, followed by dark bluish-black berries. [17] Oregon-grape juice can be fermented to make wine, similar to European barberry wine folk traditions, although it requires an unusually high amount of sugar. Oregon grape has also been used for its digestive stimulant properties (relieving spasms in the intestinal tract), antimicrobial properties (including its anti-fungal, antibacterial, and anti-parasitic action), immune-boosting, and anti-inflammatory properties. Mahonia aquifolium is a great plant for shade and works well in woodland gardens. Yellow flowers followed by blue berries. Ⓒ 2020 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved. Oregon grape is most notably found in western North America. Tall Oregon Grape The Barberry Family–Berberidaceae Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt. doi:10.1038/nm1135. The common name is often, and always in the United Kingdom, left unhyphenated as "Oregon grape", though doing so invites confusion with the true grapes. Anyone taking prescription medication should consult with the healthcare provider before taking Oregon grape. Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is a flowering herb that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat numerous conditions, including … Low Oregon Grape The Barberry Family–Berberidaceae Mahonia nervosa (Pursh) Nutt. [12][13], Mahonia aquifolium is a popular subject in shady or woodland plantings. The root of Oregon grape has been used as herbal medicine to treat many maladies including colds, flu, herpes, hepatitis, syphilis, stomach upset, cancer, skin disorders, yeast infections, and more. Oregon grape. The flowers, borne in dense clusters in late spring, are yellow, and are followed by spherical dark dusty blue berries, which give rise to the common name "Oregon grape".[7]. It contributes structure, texture and color to home gardens throughout North America. Mahonia berries are covered in a whitish coating. Health Library. Phylogenetic systematics of Berberidaceae and Ranunculales (Magnoliidae). Evergreen shrub/ground cover, slow growing, to 2 ft (60 cm), stoloniferous. Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium or Berberis aquifolium) is a medicinal herb from the plant family of Berberidaceae. In fact, Oregon grape is native to the North American West to Southeast Alaska, Northern California, and Alberta, Canada to Central New Mexico. It does not have a well defined shape and often forms scraggly clumps. Always consult with your healthcare provider before using Oregon grape to ensure its safe use, in particular, when taking any type of medication. Cleavers (G. aparine): Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, and Interactions, The Benefits of Coptis Chinensis (Huang Lian), Pueraria Mirifica: Uses for Women's Health, What You Need to Know About Shepherd's Purse, Efficacy of berberine in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, Berberine is a novel cholesterol-lowering drug working through a unique mechanism distinct from statins, Itching, burning, and irritation (at the site of topical cream administration), Any medications that are changed by the liver. Main Bloom Time: Early spring to Mid spring. Arthur Menzies grows to … Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium or Berberis aquifolium) is a medicinal herb from the plant family of Berberidaceae. [5], The specific epithet aquifolium denotes "sharp-leafed" (as in Ilex aquifolium, the common holly), referring to the spiny foliage.[6]. It’s used in restoration plantings, common at parks and roadsides. The Oregon grape is a bushy perennial plant with shiny leaves that resemble holly. Berberine is a novel cholesterol-lowering drug working through a unique mechanism distinct from statins. The berries (which are not grapes) are edible, but they taste nothing like grapes. Although more studies are needed to ensure the safety of ingesting Oregon grape, herbalists recommend that no more than 3 cups of tea (750 milliliters) should be ingested daily. Long before the Europeans and other immigrants began to arrive in America, indigenous tribes used Oregon grape for many ailments including fever, arthritis, jaundice, diarrhea, and other maladies. These are purple in color, a deep violet sheen that explains why the common name for many species of Mahonia is “Oregon grape”. Sherry Christiansen is a medical writer with a healthcare background. Herbalists have touted the use of Oregon grape, claiming that it is effective in stimulating liver function, treating infections, and supporting digestive health. [citation needed] Some authors avoid this confusion by using "Oregon grape-holly" or "Oregon holly-grape" as a vernacular name for any species of Mahonia. The primary medicinal component of Oregon grape, berberine, has been shown to have anti-bacterial properties that are helpful in the treatment of several infections including, throat, intestinal, and urinary tract infections. The shrub’s appearance changes with the seasons. Extensive medical research data has shown that Oregon grape may be safe and effective for the treatment of psoriasis (a common skin condition that causes skin cells to form scales and itchy, sometimes painful red patches). Long before the Europeans and other immigrants began to arrive in America, indigenous tribes used Oregon grape for many ailments including fever, arthritis, jaundice, diarrhea, and other maladies. Evergreen, upright or spreading. Examples of medications that should not be taken with Oregon grape include: Some medications that are broken down in the liver may be broken down differently (causing increased side effects of some medications). The inner bark of the larger stems and roots of Oregon grape yields a yellow dye; the berries give purple dye. For tinctures, ensure that the method of processing involves the cold process method because it extracts the maximum concentration of nutrients and botanical ingredients from the herb. It is recommended that Oregon grape (taken by mouth) is used no longer than two to three weeks before taking a break from its use. Oregon grape has been commonly used as a tea by boiling several teaspoons (5 to 15 grams) of chopped roots in 2 cups (500 ml) of water for 15 minutes, then cooling and straining the mixture. (Ma-HOE-nee-uh nerv-OH-suh) Names: Low Oregon Grape is also called Cascade Oregon Grape, Cascade Barberry, Dull Oregon Grape, Dwarf Oregon Grape or Longleaf Mahonia. Transfer of specific and infraspecific taxa from, Laferrière, Joseph E. 1997. It is called “dull” because its leaves are not as shiny as Tall Oregon […] … Cascade Oregon grape plant (Mahonia nervosa) goes by several names: longleaf mahonia, cascade mahonia, dwarf Oregon grape, cascade barberry, and dull Oregon grape. When it is fully grown, the shrub is between 2 to 6 feet high. Mahonia (Mahonia aquifolium) is a sturdy evergreen shrub that will enliven the winter landscape with bright yellow blooms and shiny serrated foliage that resembles holly. Oregon grape also known as Mahonia Aquifolium is a flowering plant which derives from the family of berberidaceae (barberry). 1989. Studies have shown that the active ingredient, berberine, contained in Oregon grape has effectively been used to treat diarrhea caused by E. coli infections. It’s important to note that there are limited clinical research study results available on the safety and health benefits of Oregon grape. It’s primarily found in the Rocky Mountains from British Columbia to California. Nat Med. Mahonia aquifolium is a native plant in the North American West from Southeast Alaska to Northern California, and eastern Alberta to central New Mexico, often occurring in the understory of Douglas fir forests (although other forest types contain the species) and in brushlands in the Cascades, Rockies, and northern Sierras. Touching them with your fingers leaves a mark. It has medicinal and other uses. Description Oregon Grape is the state flower of Oregon, best known for its production of blue-black berries which somewhat resemble clusters of grapes. What is Oregon Grape? Today, they are sometimes used to make jelly, alone or mixed with salal. No. Bloom Color: Yellow. It is valued for its striking foliage and flowers, which often appear before those of other shrubs. This includes other herbal supplements and over the counter medications and nutritional/medicinal supplements. The Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is a broadleaf evergreen shrub that grows well in shadier spots. In fact, they are very tart, but they are rich in vitamin C. Keep in mind that there is limited scientific evidence on the safety of Oregon grape when ingested. After a few years of its life cycle, the leaves of the plant turn bright red. (Ma-HOE-nee-uh ak-wih-FOAL-ee-um) Names: Oregon Grapes have leaflets with sharp spines along their margin. Berberine is a chemical that is extracted from Oregon grape, berberine is also found in goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) and barberry (Berberis vulgaris), it is the part of Oregon grape thought to give the herb its antibacterial and antifungal properties. The leathery leaves resemble those of holly and the stems and twigs have a thickened, corky appearance. Genus Mahonia are evergreen shrubs with leathery, pinnate leaves which are often spine-toothed, and clustered racemes of sometimes fragrant yellow flowers, sometimes followed by black or purple berries Details 'Apollo' is a vigorous, low, spreading small evergreen shrub with glossy deep green pinnate leaves becoming purplish in winter. In fact, the species gets its name from the name for English Holly, Ilex aquifolium. Aquifolium literally means leaves that have curved […] Some studies have shown that Oregon grape may be effective for the treatment of giardia (a type of infectious diarrhea), eczema (an inflammatory skin condition) and as an herbal treatment for urinary tract infections. Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon grape) extract has been shown to have highly potent anti-fungal properties with low host toxicity 4. The study results indicated that those given the cream with Oregon grape received more benefits for skin conditions than those who used the placebo. The pale yellow flowers form in long racemes of about eight inches, and the leaves are blue-green turning dusky maroon during winter. Berberine, an alkaloid derivative of many herbs, including goldenseal, barberry, and other herbs in the Berberis L genus, is known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Low Oregon Grape (Mahonia nervosa) Low Oregon Grape’s leathery leaves dapple the shady nooks of forests stretching from the Pacific Coast to the foothills of the Cascades. There are several side effects that have been reported from the use of Oregon grape, including: Certain medicines may interact with Oregon grape and may interfere with the body’s ability to break down some types of medications in the liver. This is because there is not enough evidence from clinical research studies on the safety and effectiveness of the use of oral (by mouth) Oregon grape root. Oregon grape is also thought to slow down the overproduction of immature skin cells and reduce inflammation in a skin condition called psoriasis. It is resistant to summer drought, tolerates poor soils, and does not create excessive leaf litter. 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