Oregon Grape Root

[Dahlia]

I think Oregon Grape could be considered a shrub so I'm posting this here....
I gathered some of the root and make bitters for cocktails. Very unique tasting.....

 

[Shades-of-Oregon]

@Dahlia never knew that about Oregon grape Mahonia aquifolia.

 

[digitS']

Wow. I knew nothing about this use, either. I use their blooming to guide my first sowing of pea seed .

The old fellow who was the property owner and garden neighbor a number of years ago was from an orchardist family. A large Oregon Grape(s?) separated our gardens. He made jelly every year.

My current neighbor set out nearly a dozen bushes about 3 years ago. I have thought about offering to harvest the berries for jelly use but they still don't seem very productive.

Steve

 

[Shades-of-Oregon]

The state flower of Oregon is the Oregon grape -Mahonia. It shows bright yellow blooms in spring , holly-like evergreen leaves , and fall color. Several blue berry type fruit is valuable for wildlife and a variety of uses including jellies, wine, and dye.
The berries are eaten by the birds. In my experience the shrub grows fast and constant trimming will keep it 7, provide branching out and provide more berries.

I never knew the roots were used for teas or canning or tinchures for treat skin.

I have used the flowers and leaves for under water floral arrangements. The bright yellow spring flowers mixed with the kelly-green leaves have an uncanny contrast for spring arrangements, just add a floating. Andre on top. They last a long time in water mixed with a touch of vinegar to keep the water fresh and clear.

 

[Dahlia]

Wow. I knew nothing about this use, either. I use their blooming to guide my first sowing of pea seed .

The old fellow who was the property owner and garden neighbor a number of years ago was from an orchardist family. A large Oregon Grape(s?) separated our gardens. He made jelly every year.

My current neighbor set out nearly a dozen bushes about 3 years ago. I have thought about offering to harvest the berries for jelly use but they still don't seem very productive.

Steve

Yes, I think it would be a challenge for me to round up enough berries for jelly. I usually only see a few berries here and there. There are plenty of roots to harvest though. I read that if you push the unused part of the plant back into the soil after cutting off the roots it will typically regrow.