Cascade Oregon Grape

Last April, I added a post about our native Oregon grape. That post was about Tall Oregon Grape (Berberis aquifolium), which can been seen growing in sunny areas along roads, in open areas, or planted in gardens as a hardy native addition.

Cascade Oregon Grape (Berberis nervosa), on the other hand, seems to thrive in the shade of giant second growth Douglas Fir forests. Also called Dull Oregon Grape, it grows only about a foot tall, and the leaves are flatter than its Tall cousin. In addition, the leaves are not shiny or "holly-like" as are the Tall version, hence the name "Dull." Note that some guides place both plants in the Mahonia genus, but I believe the Berberis is the newer one.

The flower clusters are similar, but thinner and less abundant on the nervosa plant. The resulting fruits ("grapes") are identical to the Tall ones.

I found several references to the potential medical benefits that may be derived from the bark and roots of both of these Mohonia plants. One reference indicated there is ongoing research for compounds in the roots.

These Dull Oregon Grapes were found at the Graham Oaks Nature Park near Wilsonville on 4/10/2014.

Al-the-Dal with Tall Oregon Grape for comparison.

Tall Oregon Grape leaves for comparison.