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#8. Shining Oregon Grape

Berberis (Mahonia) aquifolium

Family:

Barberry

Habitat:

Open woods

Characteristics:

1. Yellow flowers in dense bunches.

2. Shiny holly-like leaves, leathery.

3. Purple-blue berries in summer.

4. Leaves pinnately compound with 5-11 leaflets.

Compound pinnate leaf
Uses:

1. Edible berries raw or cooked. Used in jams, juice, flavorings or dried.

2. Yellow dye from dried roots.

3. Dried bark or roots used as herbal medication for stomach aches, coughs, and as a laxative.

4. Oregon state flower.

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Slichter