aquifolium: the classical name for holly. When it is fully grown, the shrub is between 2 to 6 feet high. The Oregon grape is a bushy perennial plant with shiny leaves that resemble holly. By using Verywell Health, you accept our. Excellent evergreen shrub for massed plantings or a border. It has medicinal and other uses. Yes. Among these are tall Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium); Cascade, low, dull, or dwarf Oregon grape (M. nervosa); and creeping Oregon grape (M. repens). Evergreen shrub/ground cover, slow growing, to 2 ft (60 cm), stoloniferous. 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]. Touching them with your fingers leaves a mark. The name Oregon grape is somewhat misleading because the fruit it bears is not actually a grape, and while the plant does grow in the mountainous regions of the Pacific Northwest region of the United States—including Oregon— it is known to flourish in many other areas of the country, as well. Mahonia aquifolium, the Oregon grape, is a species of flowering plant in the family Berberidaceae, native to western North America. The leathery leaves resemble those of holly and the stems and twigs have a thickened, corky appearance. In fact, the species gets its name from the name for English Holly, Ilex aquifolium. Herbalists have touted the use of Oregon grape, claiming that it is effective in stimulating liver function, treating infections, and supporting digestive health. Today, they are sometimes used to make jelly, alone or mixed with salal. Aquifolium literally means leaves that have curved […] The root is the part of the plant that supplies most of the medicinal properties, not the berries. Would Oregon grape be considered a good option for treating diabetes? Cultivars have Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit: M. × wagneri 'Pinnacle' (M. aquifolium × M. pinnata) and 'Apollo’. [8][9][10][11] The Oregon-grape is not related to true grapes, but gets its name from the purple clusters of berries whose color and slightly dusted appearance are reminiscent of grapes. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. In some areas outside its native range, M. aquifolium has been classified as an invasive exotic species that may displace native vegetation. Marroquín, Jorge S., & Joseph E. Laferrière. [12][13], Mahonia aquifolium is a popular subject in shady or woodland plantings. The safety of Oregon grape has not been established for use in children (particularly in newborns). The inner bark of the larger stems and roots of Oregon grape yields a yellow dye; the berries give purple dye. Ⓒ 2020 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved. 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. It is called “dull” because its leaves are not as shiny as Tall Oregon […] Transfer of specific and infraspecific taxa from, Laferrière, Joseph E. 1997. You’ll barely recognize this shade dweller as an Oregon grape when it sends up its long slender foliage without a single thorn. A 10% Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon grape) extract topical cream used to treat patients indicated that Mahonia aquifolium is a safe and effective treatment of patients with mild to moderate psoriasis 5. 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. Jepson eFlora", "North Carolina Botanical Garden / Conservation / Plants to Avoid in the Southeastern United States", Plants to Avoid in the Southeastern United States Tennessee Invasive Exotic Plant List, "Synergy in a medicinal plant: antimicrobial action of berberine potentiated by 5'-methoxyhydnocarpin, a multidrug pump inhibitor", "Our State Flowers: The Floral Emblems Chosen by the Commonwealths", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mahonia_aquifolium&oldid=986921753, Plants used in traditional Native American medicine, Articles with unsourced statements from April 2018, Taxonbars with automatically added basionyms, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 3 November 2020, at 19:43. 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. Pinnately compound leaves with 5-11 shiny, green, holly like leaflets. Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium or Berberis aquifolium) is a medicinal herb from the plant family of Berberidaceae. Alkaloids are thought to help fight various types of infections and have been used for the relief of conditions such as infectious diarrhea, chronic candidiasis (long-term yeast infection), and more. Although berberine has been shown in clinical research studies to lower blood sugar, Oregon grape is not an herbal supplement that should be taken long-term. These are purple in color, a deep violet sheen that explains why the common name for many species of Mahonia is “Oregon grape”. Oregon Grape Alcohol-Free Liquid Extract, Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium) Dried Root Glycerite Natural Herbal Supplement, Hawaii Pharm, USA 2x4 fl.oz 4.6 out of 5 stars 109 $54.95 $ 54 . Tall Oregon Grape The Barberry Family–Berberidaceae Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt. Mahonia aquifolium, or Oregon grape, is an ornamental shrub native to the Pacific Northwest prized for its sweeping branches with holly-like leaves and its grape-like berries. 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. Some Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Plateau use Oregon grape for indigestion. 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. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Some medical experts report that there is not enough medical research evidence to prove that Oregon grape is safe when ingested. No. The herb has traditionally been used for maladies including, eye infections, acne, athlete's foot, gastrointestinal issues, skin conditions, and more, though there is limited scientific research on these claims. Mahonia aquifolium, the Oregon grape, is a species of flowering plant in the family Berberidaceae, native to western North America. 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. Oregon grape. 2008;57(5):712‐717. New holly-like growth has bronze-red coloring. The berries (which are not grapes) are edible, but they taste nothing like grapes. Oregon grape holly (M. aquifolia) is grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 6 through 9. The flowers are followed by highly ornamental bunches of round, deep purple-grey berries - hence the common name of Oregon Grape. As a topical (on the skin) cream for psoriasis, a specific mixture of 10% Oregon grape bark extract cream is commercially made by a company named Relieva, Apollo Pharmaceutical to be applied two to three times per day to the affected area (for eight weeks) of the skin. 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. … Always consult with your healthcare provider before using Oregon grape to ensure its safe use, in particular, when taking any type of medication. Is the fruit of the Oregon grape plant edible? 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. Can Osha Root Really Treat Cold, Flu, and Sore Throat? The shrub’s appearance changes with the seasons. Do the berries from the Oregon grape have medicinal properties? [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. It’s primarily found in the Rocky Mountains from British Columbia to California. Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is a flowering herb that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat numerous conditions, including … 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. Mahonia aquifolium is a great plant for shade and works well in woodland gardens. Some authors place Mahonia in the barberry genus, Berberis. Nat Med. Meredith Bull, ND, is a licensed naturopathic doctor with a private practice in Los Angeles, California. Yellow flowers followed by blue berries. 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. She has worked in the hospital setting and collaborated on Alzheimer's research. The herb was also used in native cultures to stimulate appetite. [22], Oregon-grape is the state flower of Oregon.[23]. Mahonia nervosa Cascade, Long-leaved, or Dull Oregon Grape This Oregon grape is lower growing evergreen shrub, topping out at about two feet. Oregon grape is most notably found in western North America. One group was given the cream containing 10% Oregon grape extract, the other group was given a placebo two times each day for three months. Transfer of specific and infraspecific taxa from, Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Plateau, "Berberis aquifolium, in Jepson Flora Project (eds.) As with all other herbal supplements, always consult with a trusted healthcare provider before the use of Oregon grape in any form, but particularly before ingesting it. Evergreen, upright or spreading. The berries are a great food source for birds and mammals during the summer and fall. Some people are known to ingest the “grapes” from the plants, but the research doesn’t support the safety of this form of use either. Health Library. 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. This is a natural wax coating that the plant itself produces. It will provide color throughout all four seasons with its green and burgundy foliage, yellow flowers, and purplish-blue fruit. Mahonia aquifolium is not closely related to either the true holly (Ilex aquifolium) or the true grape (Vitis vinifera cv.). During the summer months, mahonia, also known as Oregon grape, will produce sweet-smelling, bright blue berries that … Bloom Color: Yellow. Berberine is a novel cholesterol-lowering drug working through a unique mechanism distinct from statins. Excellent shrub for massed planting as hedge or screen or planted singly for color accent. Nervosa refers to the fan-like veins in its leaves. It’s important to note that there are limited clinical research study results available on the safety and health benefits of Oregon grape. This includes other herbal supplements and over the counter medications and nutritional/medicinal supplements. 1997. After a few years of its life cycle, the leaves of the plant turn bright red. Oregon grape is a fairly easy plant to grow and cultivate and makes a great garden or restoration plant. This evergreen shrub is the smaller cousin of Tall Oregon Grape, offering the same glossy, serrated foliage and canary-yellow blooms, but in a smaller package. Today, Oregon grape is commonly used as a substitute for goldenseal (which is now considered an endangered species due to over-harvesting), offering similar antimicrobial properties. It is very easy to grow. Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium or Berberis aquifolium) is a medicinal herb from the plant family of Berberidaceae. doi:10.1038/nm1135. [20] As the leaves of Oregon grape are holly-like and resist wilting, the foliage is sometimes used by florists for greenery and a small gathering industry has been established in the Pacific Northwest. In a 2006 double-blind study (the gold standard of clinical research studies) 200 participants were broken into two groups. [18] The berries can also be eaten raw after the season's first frosts.[19]. It’s used in restoration plantings, common at parks and roadsides. 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. It is often seen in Douglas fir forests and in brushlands of the Rocky Mountains, the Cascades, and the Northern Sierras. [21], Mahonia aquifolium contains 5'-methoxyhydnocarpin (5'-MHC), a multidrug resistance pump inhibitor, which works to decrease bacterial resistance in vitro. Low Oregon Grape The Barberry Family–Berberidaceae Mahonia nervosa (Pursh) Nutt. 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. Interested in growing a Cascade Oregon grape plant? Systematic Botany 14:565-579. Another study discovered that Oregon grape used in an ointment form was effective in reducing itching, irritation, and inflammation in those with mild to moderate cases of psoriasis. Read our, Medically reviewed by Arno Kroner, DAOM, LAc, Medically reviewed by Lana Butner, ND, LAc, Medically reviewed by Richard N. Fogoros, MD, Verywell Health uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. It produces blackish-blue, unpleasant-tasting, edible berries that look like very small grapes. [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. 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). Its berries attract birds. Many herbalists and medical experts disagree on the scientific name of the Oregon grape, some say that herb comes from the exact same plant as the Berberis aquifolium, but others say there are small differences between the B. aquifolium and M. aquifolium. 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. Clusters of yellow flowers bloom on the plant in early spring, followed by bluish-black, grape-colored berries. 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. The Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is a broadleaf evergreen shrub that grows well in shadier spots. 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. … Phylogenetic systematics of Berberidaceae and Ranunculales (Magnoliidae). It originated in western North America and is the state flower of Oregon. Mahonia aquifolium, Oregon grape holly, is a native American relative of leatherleaf. 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. 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