Picture © 2004, FBCP

Mahonia - Mahonia aquifolium
Genus - Berberidaceae
Also known as - Oregon Grape Holly

A North American native evergreen shrub with spreading habit growing to 2m (6ft) in height and spread. Grown for it's foliage as a ground cover or specimen plant, from creeping rhizomes. Dark green glossy spiky leaves similar in shape to Holly. Yellow flowers appear April to May as a raceme, maturing to dark purple edible berries. It can have fissured bark on some varieties. Fruit is used to make a jam (jelly) but is not directly edible, and the roots are used in the treatment of psoriasis to good effect. Recent research has shown Mahonia to have Antioxidant & Antifungal properties. FBCP do not advise or recommend that Mahonia is eaten.

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