Mahonia / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Edible

Common Names

Mahonia, Oregon Grape, holly leaved barberry

Botanical Name

Mahonia Aquifolium

Scientific Classification

Kingdom – Plantae

Order –Rununculaes

Family – Berberidaceae

Physical Characteristics for Mahonia

Leaves

Pinnate leaves up to 30cm long, each leaf is made up of spiny leaflets which resemble holly.

Flowers

The yellow flowers grow in dense clusters.

Fruit

Spherical, dark blue berries.

Stem/Bark

Brown, grey, corky texture.

Habitat

Mainly found planted in parks and gardens but it can be found in the wild as an escapee.

Known Hazards 

Mahonia and other plants containing Berberine should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Avoid if you have a over active thyroid gland. High doses cause vomiting, lowered blood pressure, reduced heart rate, lethargy, nose bleed, skin & eye irritation and kidney infection.

Could be Confused with

Holly (Ilex Aquifolium) can look similar but its fruits are orange to red.

Edible Uses

The berries when ripe are still quite tart but when cooked other sweeter fruits or sugar/honey make a delicious compote.

The flowers raw are nice as a garnish or just eaten on their own.

Notes on Herbal uses

The plant contains berberine and reportedly has antimicrobial properties.

Mahonia has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat numerous conditions, including psoriasis, stomach issues, heartburn, and low mood.

Extra notes from the Foragers

The inner bark of the larger stems and roots of Oregon grape yield a yellow dye. The berries contain a dye that can be purple, blue, pink, or green depending on the pH of water used.