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OREGON GRAPE

I.  WILDFLOWER
Common names known to photographer/landowner:   Oregon Grape
Scientific name if known:  berberis aquifolium
Plant characteristics/information important to photographer/landowner: 

Oregon grape is an evergreen shrub which grows throughout the American northwest. It is somewhat misnamed, as the fruit are not actually grapes. It is, however, grown in Oregon (it is the official state flower). Oregon grape is a close relative of barberry (Berberis vulgaris), and shares many common uses and constituents. The root is used medicinally.

Before European colonists arrived, the indigenous peoples of North America treated all manner of complaints with Oregon grape.  The berries were used for poor appetite. A tea made from the root was used to treat jaundice, arthritis, diarrhea, fever, and many other health problems.

The plant grows quickly and reaches a height of six feet, producing yellowish-green flowers and purple berries. The roots are used in herbology as a nutritional aid to the digestive and circulatory systems. The plant contains the alkaloids berberine and hydrastine, which are also found in golden seal. It also contains oxycanthine and columbamine.

II.  PHOTOGRAPHER
Name: Karen Rose
Address:  (Private)
City/State/Zip:  (Private)
Phone:  (Private)
Email:  (Private)
III.  DATE OF PHOTO:   April 10, 2005
IV.  WILDFLOWER LOCATION:   Pleasant Valley Cemetery
V.  CAMERA EQUIPMENT (optional):  Sony Digital
VI.  LANDOWNER PERMISSION BY - N/A

© 2012 Hugo Neighborhood Association & Historical Society