Hugo Neighborhood Association & Historical Society |
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OREGON GRAPE I. WILDFLOWER 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
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