The Oregon grape, also known as mahonia, is the state flower of Oregon. It is an evergreen shrub with clusters of yellow flowers and dark blue berries. The plant is used for medicinal purposes and its leaves can be used to make a yellow dye.
The state flower of Oregon is the Oregon grape, sometimes called the Oregon holly. Unrelated to more familiar grapes, this shrub gets its name from the clusters of berries that hang from its branches, reminiscent of the traditional grape. This plant may be listed under two different scientific or botanical names due to a debate among botanists as to which genus it actually belongs to. Both Mahonia aquifolium and Berberis aquifolium are used for this plant.
Officially designated the state flower of Oregon in 1899, the Oregon grape is also commonly known as mahonia. Thought to be related to barberry, this plant is sometimes placed in the same genus, Berberis, as barberry plants. Although the Oregon grape can be found in parts of Washington and California, its primary range is in Oregon, hence the name.
Although these plants are considered evergreen, as they never shed their leaves, the leaves change to a deep purple hue in the winter months. The leaves are longer than wide, usually 2-3 cm long. Similar to holly, the leaves are smooth but pinnate, with small spikes around the edges. The branches contain pairs of leaves along their length, plus a single unpaired leaf. The rich green leaves have a natural sheen and are also used in floral displays for the striking foliage.
Blooming in spring, the yellow flowers occur in small clusters, most often near the end of the branches. Six sepals, or the leaflets that enclose a budding flower, surround six petals. At the base of the flower are three bracts, or scaly leaves.
After flowering, small clusters of dark blue berries form. Each berry is only 0.3-0.5 inch (0.7-1.3 cm) wide. Hanging like grapes, these clusters of berries are where the state flower of Oregon gets its common name.
The shrub itself grows rapidly and can reach heights of 6 feet (1.8 m). Low-maintenance and showy particularly in spring and fall, Oregon grape shrubs are often used in landscaping. The shrub’s drought resistance adds to its desirability.
Starting with Native Americans centuries ago, the state flower of Oregon is still used for medicinal purposes. The yellow woody roots can be used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and acne. There is also evidence that the plant may help increase the effectiveness of some antibiotics by lowering the resistance of bacteria to them. The leaves, when plucked and boiled, can also be used to make a yellow dye, and the berries are used to make a purple dye.
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