Practical
Plants

Mahonia nervosa

Oregon Grape

a perennial woody evergreen member of the Mahonia genus in the family Berberidaceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Genus
Mahonia
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Growth rate
slow
Height
0.6 m
Spread
1 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Fruit - raw or cooked[6][12][1]. An acid flavour but it is rather nice raw, especially when added to muesli or porridge[K]. Unfortunately, there is relatively little flesh and a lot of seeds[K]. Too acid for most tastes but they are very good in jams, jellies, pies etc[5]. They can also be used to enhance the flavour of bland fruits or made into a refreshing lemon-flavoured drink[5]. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter[7]. Young tender leaves - cooked. Simmered in a small amount of water and eaten as a snack[5].

Plant part
Fruit
Plant part
Leaves

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The root is alterative and tonic[13]. It improves the digestion and absorption and is recommended in the treatment of psoriasis, syphilis and impure blood conditions[13][11]. A decoction of the peeled and chopped root bark has been used as a wash in treating arthritis and as an eyewash for red itchy eyes[11]. The fruit is an excellent safe and gentle laxative[11]. Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Mahonia species, has marked antibacterial effects[10] and is used as a bitter tonic[9]. Since it is not appreciably absorbed by the body, it is used orally in the treatment of various enteric infections, especially bacterial dysentery[10]. It should not be used with Glycyrrhiza species (Liquorice) because this nullifies the effects of the berberine[10]. Berberine has also shown antitumour activity[10]. The root and root bark are best harvested in the autumn[9].

Product or use
Antiarthritic
Product or use
Antibacterial
Product or use
Antitumor
Product or use
Blood tonic
Product or use
Laxative
Product or use
Tonic

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

A yellow dye is obtained from the inner bark of the stem and roots[18][1][11]. Dark green, violet and dark blue-purple dyes are obtained from the fruit[3]. A green dye is obtained from the leaves[3]. Plants can be grown as a ground cover, spaced about 30cm apart each way[8]. They are very slow to spread[8] and so will need weeding for their first few years after planting[K].

Product or use
Dye

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Soil surface

Ground cover

Environment

Range
North-western N. America.
Habitat
Light dry woods and rocky ledges[14][15].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
permanent shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 6+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay, heavy clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[16]. It usually germinates in the spring[K]. 'Green' seed (harvested when the embryo has fully developed but before the seed case has dried) should be sown as soon as it is harvested and germinates within 6 weeks[K]. Stored seed should be sown as soon as possible in late winter or spring. 3 weeks cold stratification will improve its germination, which should take place in 3 - 6 months at 10°c. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Division of suckers in spring[16]. Whilst they can be placed direct into their permanent positions, better results are achieved if they are potted up and placed in a frame until established[2]. Leaf cuttings in the autumn.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

An easily grown plant, it thrives in any good garden soil[2][7] but also succeeds in poor dry ones. Another report says that it is best on a lime-free soil[4]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a sunny position[12] but succeeds in heavy woodland shade[K]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Plants are growing and fruiting well at Wakehurst Place in Sussex, but they do not generally do well in Britain[2]. Resistant to honey fungus[17].

References

  1. Turner. N. J. and Szczawinski. A. Edible Wild Fruits and Nuts of Canada. National Museum of Natural Sciences 1978-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  3. Grae. I. Nature's Colors - Dyes from Plants. MacMillan Publishing Co. New York. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0-02-544950-8

    ↩1↩2

  4. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

    ↩

  5. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

    ↩1↩2↩3

  6. Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972-00-00 ISBN 0-486-20459-6

    ↩

  7. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2

  8. Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-460-12609-1

    ↩1↩2

  9. Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books 1980-00-00 ISBN 0-449-90589-6

    ↩1↩2

  10. Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-917256-20-4

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  11. Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  12. Simmons. A. E. Growing Unusual Fruit. David and Charles 1972-00-00 ISBN 0-7153-5531-7

    ↩1↩2

  13. Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9

    ↩1↩2

  14. Hitchcock. C. L. Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press 1955-00-00

    ↩

  15. Ahrendt. Berberis and Mahonia. Journal of the Linnean Society, 57 1961-00-00

    ↩

  16. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  17. RHS. The Garden. Volume 112. Royal Horticultural Society 1987-00-00

    ↩

  18. Gordon. A. G. and Rowe. D. C. f. Seed Manual for Ornamental Trees and Shrubs.

    ↩

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