Berberis piperiana (Abrams) McMinn
[= Mahonia piperiana]
Annotated by James T. Duncan, 10 Jul 2016.

Oregon: Josephine County: Grants Pass.
Woods near rivers and streams. Oregon Grape; Evergreen shrub with foliage resembling holly. 2 to 6 ft; Blue berries in the fall of which the birds are very fond. It is a barberry yet its fruit has a grape like flavor, the reason the early settlers gave it the name of Oregon Grape. Makes good jelly. Indians made a yellow dye from its bark by steeping it in water. Not only did the plant provide them with food and dye but they used the roots for medicine. The white man learned the value of the medicine and every year tons of Oregon grape are dug and marketed. For this reason and because the evergreen foliage is popular for decoration the plant has been nearly exterminated in the vicinity of large towns. Fortunately it multiplies rapidly or it might be in danger of extermination. Phenology: flowering.

Ireta Kirhofer s.n., Apr 1971
SOC, Accession: 20103