(Mahonia nervosa)
A bold and brazen plant for any PNW garden. This Mahonia variety is my personal favorite for collecting medicine, since it has such a prolific spreading behavior there is no guilt digging some roots up.
The berberine, found in Oregon grape, acts similarly to the diabetes drug metformin by lowering blood sugar, improving insulin sensitivity, aiding weight loss, and a strong antibacterial.
Other common names are Cascade Oregon-grape, Low Oregon-grape, Dull Oregon-grape, Low Oregon Grape, and Dull Oregon Grape.
ZONE: 4-9
POLLINATOR: Yes (critical early source of nectar)
DEER RESISTANT: Yes
DROUGHT TOLERANT: Yes
EVERGREEN: Yes
SPREADS BY SEED: This plant spreads by its rhizomes
NEEDS A CROSS POLLINATOR: Wind pollinated
AGE OF PLANT: 2yr (very established root systems)
MATURE HEIGHT: 12-18" tall & 3-4" wide
Burke Herbarium Image Collection
Developed and hosted by the University of Washington Herbarium at the Burke Museum, this site brings together 109,079 photographs and contributions from numerous photographers and botanists.
View this plant...
https://burkeherbarium.org/imagecollection/taxon.php?Taxon=Mahonia+nervosa
CREEPING MAHONIA
PLANTING & GROWING
Prefers partial to full shade, well-drained acidic soil, and is highly drought-tolerant once established.
MEDICINAL BENEFITS
- Anti-bacterial
- Anti-fungal
- Anti-inflammatory
- Liver tonic
- Blood sugar
Note: Do not consume or bath with if pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Always ask your health care provider if herbs are safe to consume while breast feeding.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
FLAVOR & PAIRING
Oregon grape is earthy and rich with undertones of cherry, raspberry and lemon that go well with any of the following. Lavender and grape are also nice additions to jams and jellys.