Fruit - raw or cooked[2, 3, 5, 95]. The fruit is almost as large as a blackcurrant and is produced in large bunches so it is easy to harvest[K]. It has an acid flavour, but it is rather nice raw and is especially good when added to a porridge or muesli[K]. Unfortunately, there is relatively little flesh and a lot of seeds, though some plants have larger and juicier fruits[K]. The cooked fruit tastes somewhat like blackcurrants[K]. The fruit can also be dried and stored for later use[257]. Flowers - raw. They can also be used to make a lemonade-like drink[183].

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Oregon grape was often used by several native North American Indian tribes to treat loss of appetite and debility[254]. Its current herbal use is mainly in the treatment of gastritis and general digestive weakness, to stimulate the kidney and gallbladder function and to reduce catarrhal problems[254, 257]. The root and root bark is alterative, blood tonic, cholagogue, diuretic, laxative and tonic[4, 21, 165, 257]. It improves the digestion and absorption and is taken internally in the treatment of psoriasis, syphilis, haemorrhages, stomach complaints and impure blood conditions[4, 238]. Externally, it has been used as a gargle for sore throats and as a wash for blurry or bloodshot eyes[257]. The roots are harvested in late autumn or early spring and dried for later use[238]. The fruit is an excellent gentle and safe laxative[257]. Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Mahonia species, has marked antibacterial effects[218] and is used as a bitter tonic[213]. Since it is not appreciably absorbed by the body, it is used orally in the treatment of various enteric infections, especially bacterial dysentery[218]. It should not be used with Glycyrrhiza species (Liquorice) because this nullifies the effects of the berberine[218]. Berberine has also shown antitumour activity[218]. The root and root bark are best harvested in the autumn[213].

Agroforestry uses: Mahonia can be used as a hedge or ornamental plant and provides ground cover. The dense foliage offers shelter for wildlife and beneficial insects, and the berries attract birds. A yellow dye is obtained from the inner bark of the stem and roots[99, 101, 257]. It is green according to another report[168]. Dark green, violet and dark blue-purple dyes are obtained from the fruit[168]. A green dye is obtained from the leaves[168]. This species can be grown as a low hedge and does not need trimming. Because of its suckering habit, it also makes a good dense ground cover plant though it can be slow to become established[197, 200]. 1. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen: Yes – Mahonia species produce clusters of yellow flowers that are rich in nectar and attract a variety of pollinators, especially bees and butterflies. 2. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting): Yes – The berries of Mahonia species are edible for birds and other wildlife, making them an important food source. The dense evergreen foliage also provides excellent shelter for small birds and insects, and it can offer nesting and roosting sites for birds. 3. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover): Yes – The evergreen foliage and rough stems of Mahonia provide overwintering sites for invertebrates. The leaf litter from these plants can create a microhabitat for insects and small ground-dwelling organisms. 4. Pest Confuser (Smell): No – Mahonia species do not have a particularly strong or confusing scent that would act as a pest deterrent.

Special Uses