Oregon Grape
(Scientific Name: Berberis
aquifolium & Berberis nervosa)
Description:
Evergreen shrubs with spiny-toothed, compound, holly-like
leaves and attractive yellow flowers in elongated terminal
clusters. Berries are dark blue with a white waxy coating. Roots are
woody and a bright yellow color.
Habitat: Woods and dry open areas from
British Columbia to California. Most common west of the Cascade
Mountains.
Uses: The berries may be eaten raw or used
for jelly. Indians used the roots of both species to make a yellow
dye for their basketry. They ate the berries raw, but apparently did
not dry them for future use.
