Family Name: Berberidaceae
Botanical Name(s): Berberis Aquifolium
Popular Name(s): Oregon Mountain Grape, Wild Oregon grape,
Holly-Leaved Barberry, Mahonia, California Barberry, Mountain Grape.
Parts Used: Rhizome and Root
Habitat: It is a native of Oregon and Northern California.
Description: Oregon grape belongs to the barberry family
(Berberidaceae) and grows about 2 to 6 feet in height, the branches
sometimes trailing. The leaves are 2 to 3 inches long and about 1 inch
wide, evergreen, thick, leathery, oblong or oblong ovate in outline,
smooth and shining above. The margins provided with thorny spines or
teeth. The flowers are yellow in color and are borne in erect, clustered
heads. The fruit consists of a cluster of blue or bluish purple berries,
having a pleasant taste, and each containing from three to nine seeds.
Uses: Oregon grape Root is used as a treatment for skin diseases
and as a treatment for prostate infection. It is also used as a blood
cleanser, to stimulate the liver and gall bladder and as a mild
laxative. Externally, a decoction of the root bark is used as a liniment
for arthritis.
