Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium / Berberis repens)

Oregon Grape - closeup / enlargement of blossom cluster.  Dry Canyon, 5/5/14, David Kenison

The Oregon Grape is also known as the California Barberry, Holly-leaved Barberry, Oregon Grape Root, Rocky Mountain Grape, Trailing Grape, Creeping Oregon Grape, and Wild Oregon Grape.  It is the state flower of Oregon, and can be found in a number of species throughout the mountain west of the US and Canada.

The Oregon Grape is among the earliest blooming wildflowers along the Wasatch Front.  It can be seen starting in April in the foothills soon after the temperatures begin to warm.  The distinctive clusters of small (1/4") bright yellow ball-like blooms, and the medium to dark green flowers with spiny teeth, make it an easy flower to identify and remember.

In the wild, the plants often grow in the shade of scrub oaks or other trees and bushes.  They are usually small and low to the ground, up to 12" high.  When domesticated, the bushes can become 3-6' high and wide, and very dense.

The plant may produce purplish blue berries late in the summer — not every flower turns into a berry, and some plants don't produce any. They are edible, but are usually extremely sour, and are usually small and seedy.  Leaves often turn a reddish color in the autumn.

There is debate about the two genus name Mahonia and Berberis, and the species names aquifolium and repens.  See the additional references below for questions about the scientific classification.

These photographs were taken by the author on 5/5/14 near the base of the Dry Canyon Trail in Lindon, UT.  Click on the photos to view details.

Additional links:
Medicinal use, from the Utah Surgical Center
Debate about scientific classification