What is another name for Mahonia?
Mahonia is a genus that contains approximately 70 species of plants. These consist mainly of shrubs, but also contains a few species of small trees. It’s often known by its more common English name ‘Oregon Grape’, referring to the dark berries it grows in Autumn. Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon grape) is one of the best known of the native mahonias, ascending as single stems or an erect shrub 3-7 ft. Rhizomes travel below ground to form dense clumps. Their spread may be difficult to control.The most commonly grown type of Mahonia is upright and tall, but in fact there are many varieties with of different sizes, although all tend to be fast growing.Mahonia is broadleaf evergreen, making it a true winter wild edible – or medicinal as the case may be.
What is Mahonia good for?
Plants of the genus Mahonia Nuttall (Berberidaceae) have a long history of medical use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for the treatment of a wide range of health disorders, such as tuberculosis, periodontitis, dysentery, pharyngolaryngitis, eczema, and wounds. Modern pharmacological studies have indicated that the isolated compounds or extracts of Mahonia plants possess a wide range of pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antitumour, antioxidant and analgesic properties.Though the root is highest in medicinal potency, the leaf and the ripe berries of Mahonia also contain many medicinal constituents, including berberine content. The berries are laxative, diuretic, and high in antioxidants and Vitamin C. They have expectorant action that can be useful for lung congestion.Mahonia species are known for their tough, spiny, evergreen leaves, which provide striking year-round interest. Despite their autumn berries, Mahonia plants are most loved by horticulturalists for their Spikes of bright yellow flowers, that often shoot upwards, and present in winter to early spring.
What can you make with Mahonia berries?
Mahonia nervosa, also known as Oregon grape, is a related, shorter species with similar berries that can be used in the same ways as those of Mahonia aquifolia—in jellies, jams, pies, and wine. Several members of the barberry family, Berberidaceae, actually go by the common name of Oregon grape, with many variations, such as Oregon hollygrape, tall Oregon grape, hollyleaved barberry, and creeping barberry.Taxonomy: The genus Mahonia has now been included in the genus Berberis, hence the accepted name for Oregon Grape is Berberis aquifolium. However, currently in commercial horticulture these plants are still known as Mahonia.Leatherleaf Mahonia is a stiff, prickly evergreen shrub somewhat resembling native American Holly (Ilex opaca) but instead having large compound leaves and yellow flowers with blue berries. Mahonia aquifolium, Oregon Grape Holly, is a native American relative of leatherleaf.
Where is the best place to plant a Mahonia?
While easy to grow in well-drained soil, Mahonias prefer protection from winter winds. Hardy to -15 degrees Celsius (5 degrees Fahrenheit), they are not fussy about the pH of the soil and thrive in sandy, loamy, and clay soils as long as they are not water-logged. They even grow well in pots. Carried by airborne spores, this condition is often heralded by leaves dropping prematurely. Mahonia are particularly susceptible during the damp weather between late Spring and Autumn, but don’t be fooled, it can rear its rusty head at any time of the year.They provide an invaluable source of pollen and nectar for winter colonies of bumblebees and other pollinators. Mahonia japonica bears racemes of lemon-yellow flowers from late autumn to early spring with a sweet lily-of-the-valley fragrance.Mahonia species are known for their tough, spiny, evergreen leaves, which provide striking year-round interest. Despite their autumn berries, Mahonia plants are most loved by horticulturalists for their Spikes of bright yellow flowers, that often shoot upwards, and present in winter to early spring.