Origin: Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest have long eaten this berry, but often mix it with sweeter berries to better its flavor. They are incredibly high in Vitamin C, which makes them really sour. Color and Shape: Mostly black but can appear bluish or purple, Huckleberries are smooth and round. (2) Berberis Aquifolium or Tall Oregon Grape , very similiar to b.nervosa only growing to heights in excess of 6 feet . The Oregon grape is a low sprawling shrub with waxy, dark green leaves that look like holly leaves. Home > Edible Berries of the Pacific Northwest > Oregon Grape. Can Be Confused With: Oregon grape as their leaves are similar. Posted on July 8, 2020 by Sarah Flower-McCraw. (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. This species makes a wonderful inpenetrable hedge . They are small, smooth, round, or slightly egg-shaped. (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. While foraging with caution is always recommended, we’ve compiled some basic guidelines for identification, best uses, and taste of some of the most common berries you might find the next time you talk a walk on the wild side. berries are suitable for casual foraging and flavouring food or drink. The spring flowers of Oregon grape in May . The holly-like leaves make it an excellent barrier hedge. Sign up for our newsletter. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! The Oregon grape is a bushy perennial plant with shiny leaves that resemble holly. Where to Find Them: Found mostly on the edge of empty fields, by roadsides, in backyards, and by streams due to its love of moist, shady areas. Where to Find Them: Similar to its relative the Evergreen Huckleberry, the Red Huckleberry can be found in moist, shady areas, often growing out of or near downed tree trunks or stumps. As the season progressses, these brilliantly yellow waxy flowers will become a sour, but edible berry that isn't actually a grape. Oregon Grape. Color and shape: Mature berries are most commonly a yellow-orange. Originally native to the British Isles (often used as a decorative shrub in gardens and popular during the Christmas holidays), this evergreen plant is an aggressively invasive species to the West Coast and is found in abundance across Washington stretching all the way to California. Caution: The plant is poisonous, but its berries are most toxic. The dense clusters of tiny flowers, which appear in March through May, are 2 to 3 inches long and slightly fragrant; they’re Oregon’s state flower. Nervosa refers to the fan-like veins in its leaves. What is an Oregon grape? Plants grows well in the sun and large patches are known as brambles. Where to Find Them: There are two types of Oregon Grape: the Tall Oregon Grape and the Low Oregon Grape. They look and taste nothing like a grape. Low Oregon grape is a smaller plant found in the forest understory. If you live in or have visited the Pacific Northwest, it’s quite likely you ran across the Cascade Oregon grape plant. Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is a flowering herb that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat numerous conditions, including … It is called “dull” because its leaves are not as shiny as Tall Oregon […] Color and Shape: Bright red when ripe, these berries resemble raspberries. If you’re looking to get into the edible scene, we’re here to help! Can Be Confused With: Red Huckleberry- similar in shape, color, and size. ; plant grows dry and/or open forests in low to montane areas. Where to Find Them: This plant thrives in both sun and shade, growing into large thickets choking out native plant life. Native to western North America, it can be … This plant is an extremely common undergrowth plant, so common that Lewis and Clark collected it during their 1805 exploration of the Lower Columbia River. Origins: Native to the West coast of North America, salmonberries are traditionally eaten with salmon or salmon roe by Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest. Hell, even some cops can’t resist the sweet temptation of cannabis edibles. Expect a tart flavor when eaten. In my opinion, the best way to utilize the Oregon grape is in Jelly, which is incredibly delicious. They brought back many new species from their expedition, and this one was described to science in 1813 by Frederick T. Pursh, a German-American botanist. Since this is an undergrowth plant that thrives in a temperate environment, it is hardy to USDA zone 5 and thrives in partial shade to shade with plenty of moisture. Toxic to humans, it is also avoided by other types of wildlife. As you enjoy the summer months here in the Pacific Northwest, be on the lookout for these berries in your outdoor adventures. This plant grows by spreading from underground roots. It is common to find plants sprouting out of or near downed trees or stumps. They look and taste nothing like a grape. It’s the North American equivalent to the Barberry. Even though the common names suggest a connection with the fruit, this is not a true grape Vitis) or in the Vitaceae family. Most commonly the plant is simply referred to as Oregon grape. Shiny evergreen leaves, shade-loving, tart edible berries, great for ground cover. Origin: This plant is native to North America and can be found across the Pacific Northwest region. Beyond cultivation its distribution is a bit strange. The Oregon grape (Mahonia nervosa, formerly Berberis nervosa) grows to 2 feet tall, with long stems of opposite leaflets, sometimes showing 21 leaflets per stem. Where to Find Them: Found along roadsides and the edges of clearings, it can be one of the first plants to grow after a fire or clear cut. Mahonia spp. Taste: Slightly sour. Color and shape: Pinkish red berries. Bookmark the permalink. Cascade Oregon grape plant (Mahonia nervosa) goes by several names: longleaf mahonia, cascade mahonia, dwarf Oregon grape, cascade barberry, and dull Oregon grape. It's used as a tea, a cream and a supplement. However, with so many varieties present in the Pacific Northwest, it can be difficult to know where to start, or which are okay to eat. It has minimal side effects and the dosage required is convenient. A way to tell these berries apart from a regular blackberry is the core: blackberries have a white core, whereas a black raspberry is hollow in the middle like a regular raspberry. The Low can be found in relatively moist, open forests while the Tall can handle both dry open areas and moist shady areas. They can do well in moist and shady areas and also in partial sun. Cascade Oregon grape is commonly found in secondary growth, under the closed canopies of Douglas fir trees. Its native range is from British Columbia to California and east into Idaho. (1) Berberis Nervosa or Oregon Grape, a low growing shrub 4 - 12 inches high . Below are our picks for top Oregon edibles under … How to identify Oregon Grape and use it as an edible (cooked berries) or medicinal (raw berries or inner stem/root). Color and shape: Blue/purple. They are Oregon grape, Oregon grape-holly, Oregon-grape, Oregongrape, mountain grape, Oregon hollygrape, holly-leaved barberry, tall mahonia, Oregon grapeholly, and Oregon holly-grape. There is nothing better in summer than picking some right from the bush. One of hundreds of Oregon-grape (Mahonia nervosa) plants in flower along the trail circling Deep Lake near Enumclaw, Washington. berries taste sour. Origin: Eaten by Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest in combination with Oregon Grapes to sweeten them, Salal berries are often dried into cakes. The Oregon grape is quite a sour little berry so you don't really want to eat a handful of them unless you happen to have scurvy as the berries have a lot of vitamin c in them. varieties in the Pacific Northwest include Tall oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium), Creeping oregon-grape (Mahonia repens) and Dwarf oregon-grape (Mahonia nervosa). It has long, jagged glossy green leaves that take on a purple tint during the winter months. Care is minimal; in fact, once established, Oregon grape is an extremely low maintenance plant and an excellent addition to native planted landscapes. They are smooth and round. Low blood pressure: Oregon grape can lower blood pressure. (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. Color and Shape: Shiny, red, and round, these berries often have a small black spot at the bottom of berry—a surefire sign to not consume it! Originally introduced for fruit production, they are now naturalized and widespread throughout the Pacific Northwest and are easy to spot by their large, vigorous, thicket-forming growth and sharp spines covering the stems. They prefer shady, moist, and cool areas. Caution: Consume in moderation, as these berries can be toxic in excess. These berries are also used for dye and medicinal purposes. Grapelike berries 1/3 inch in diameter ripen in July through September and are the source of the plant’s common names, Oregon grape holly and Oregon holly grape. Origins: Also known as the Whitebark Raspberry, this plant’s range stretches from the Pacific Northwest to north Mexico. The berry and plant are commonly used by Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest as a food and medicinal plant. Black raspberries tend to be more “fuzzy” like raspberries instead of more smooth like blackberries. They are bumpy in shape (Beware of thorns on the plant). Low Oregon Grape The Barberry Family–Berberidaceae Mahonia nervosa (Pursh) Nutt. Oregon Grape is abundant in the mountains around us, we see it every time we go on an adventure in the mountains. It also handles shade and moisture as well. Douglas Fir Tree Care: Tips On Planting A Douglas Fir Tree, Barberry Shrub Care: Tips For Growing Barberry Bushes, Douglas Aster Plant Info: Caring For Douglas Aster Flowers In Gardens, Upright Boxwood Plants – Growing Fastigiata Boxwood Bushes, Growing Southern Conifers – Learn About Coniferous Trees In Southern States, Pacific Northwest Conifers – Choosing Coniferous Plants For Pacific Northwest, Cypress Tip Moth Control: Cypress Tip Moth Signs And Treatment, Christmas Topiary Ideas: Best Plants For Christmas Topiaries, Can I Prune Conifers – Pruning Coniferous Trees, Spruce Trees For Landscaping - Spruce It Up With Evergreens, Western Juniper Trees: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly, Evergreens For Winter Interest: Growing Holly In Gardens, Christmas Tree Alternative: Decorating An Outdoor Tree For Birds. Peak Season: These berries ripen in autumn. Where to Find Them: The plant prefers moist, shady areas with a bit of sun and can commonly be found near creeks. Oregon Holly Grape is neither a grape or a holly. Oregon Grape Root (Mahonia Aquifolium) is an edible plant used for its benefits to diabetes, psoriasis, UTI, acne, candida, and liver function. Mahonia aquifolium, the Oregon grape, is a species of flowering plant in the family Berberidaceae, native to western North America. Dull Oregon-grape, also called Cascade Barberry, is one of the most common understory plants in Pacific Northwest forests. Can Be Confused With: Red huckleberry due to similar color and size. These berries look much akin to blueberries; however, they taste like anything but. So much for common names being helpful. Not only does Oregon excel at thoroughly enjoyable edibles—they’re dedicated to affordability, too. Interested in growing a Cascade Oregon grape plant? Adapted to dry, open, more rocky hatitats, the Tall Oregon grape has fewer leaflets (5-9) than its cousin, Low Oregon Grape (9-19). Where to Find Them: These berries can be found in backyards and along roadsides across the country. The leaves are identifiably spiny. One the west coast it runs form California to British Columbia including Idaho, Wyoming, and Alberta. Should be sown in a cold frame in late winter or spring. While they are edible, they are extremely tart and historically used more medicinally or as a dye than as a food source. Characteristics: Evergreen woody-stemmed shrubs with distinct holly-like leaves. Cascade Oregon grape is commonly found in secondary growth, under the closed canopies of Douglas fir trees. It was sufficiently common that Lewis and Clark collected it on their 1805 visit to the Lower Columbia River. berries are about 1cm long. Always remember, if you are not sure what the berry is, best to look it up first or avoid it altogether. There are three main species of Mahonia in British Columbia. The low variety (Mahonia nervosa) can be found out in the woods fairly easily as it tends to be more wild. Dig a hole for the plant and mix in a good amount of compost before planting. Read on to learn about Oregon grape care. They are small, smooth, round, or slightly egg-shaped. In fact, they are very tart, but edible nonetheless. These berries look much akin to blueberries; however, they taste like anything but. Color and Shape: Similar in shape to a raspberry, unripe berries range in color from red to dark purple, growing darker as they ripen. Oregon grape is an evergreen shrub/ground cover that is slow growing and only reaches about 2 feet (60 cm.) Where to Find Them: Usually found in areas of sun to light shade in fields or wooded hills. Origins: This berry is known all over the world, but is very popular in the Pacific Northwest. Native to western North America, it can be found from the Rocky Mountains all the way to the Pacific Coast. ... Oregon grape berries are edible, though not particularly delicious as they don't have a lot of sugar. Where to Find Them: There are two types of Oregon Grape: the Tall Oregon Grape and the Low Oregon Grape. Origins: Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest are fond of this berry, often traveling long distances to gather them—eating them fresh or drying them into cakes. Taste: Very sweet when ripe; sour when unripe. Color and shape: Black when mature; red and green when they are still growing. Dull Oregon-grape. Oregon grape, a native of western North America, is only grapelike in its edible blue berries. Low Oregon Grape The Barberry Family–Berberidaceae Mahonia nervosa (Pursh) Nutt. Low Oregon Grape The Barberry Family–Berberidaceae Mahonia nervosa (Pursh) Nutt. Growing up, I experienced berry bushes’ beauty and abundance first-hand at summer camp. This entry was posted in Eating Well and tagged berries, eating well, Summer. 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