Oregon-grape: The 23rd Flower of Spring!

In our lower forest, we have a small thicket full of holly. The other day I was visiting my local friend's photostream and was very surprised to find that what I thought was holly was actually called Oregon-grapes! I had no idea!! Coincedentally, I'd just taken some pictures of flower buds that were about to bloom, so here is one of my pictures to share! :)

The Oregon-grape is the state flower and can be found growing from British Columbia to northern California. Although it's not actually related to grapes, it produces sour-tasting, purple berries, which look like tiny grapes. To add to the confusion, this plant isn't even related to holly, though the leaves look just like them. Instead, they are part of the barberry family...but barberry leaves don't look like holly leaves! So confusing!! (The name itself is hyphenated to reduce confusion with true grapes.)

Oregon-grapes were commonly eaten by Native Americans, and can be made into wine and jelly, though a great deal of sugar is needed to counter the berry's tart flavor. The berries have been used as a purple dye, and the roots and stems make a yellow dye! Amazing!

This plant even has medicinal uses! It was used by Native Americans to treat dyspepsia (upset stomach or indigestion), and is now used as an alternative to the over-harvested herb, Goldenseal, an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial medicine, used in the treatment of infection. Furthermore, some extracts are used to treat skin diseases including eczema and psoriasis, though a side affect is a rash and a burning sensation, which makes me wonder why anyone would bother! :D Finally, there is evidence that Oregon-grapes reduce resistance to antibiotics!! Now that's really cool!!

And to think...I thought we had holly growing on our property! It's so interesting to reasearch information for each of the flowers I find here! Hopefully you are enjoying the education too! :)

If you would like to know more about Oregon-grapes, Wiki has a great page here: Wiki: Oregon-grape