Oregon Grape (seed)
Mahonia aquifolium
Family: Berberidaceae
Perennial evergreen shrub. Native to the Pacific Northwest of
the United States. The leaves resemble holly, and in the spring the
bright yellow, compound flowers emit delightful fragrance, and soak up
the dew like a sponge. Oregon Grape has a bitter and cold energy,
serving as a gentle stimulant to liver function while it controls excessive
secretions of the mucous membranes. It has thus been used to good
effect for treating psoriasis, poor appetite, indigestion, oral herpes
and bronchitis. Contains berberine, the same alkaloid found in Goldenseal,
and is therefore used as a Goldenseal substitute. Roots yield a golden
dye. Cultivation: Extra care. Cold soil germinator.
Sow outdoors in fall or early spring. Allow seedlings to grow for
a year or more in nursery beds or in pots, then transplant to permanent
location, 4 feet apart. Grows to 6 feet.
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