Mahonia aquifolium

Also known as Oregon Grape, Holly-leaved Barberry, Tall Oregon Grape, Holly Mahonia

Oregon grape carpets western forest understories with glossy, holly-like leaves that turn rich reddish-purple in cold weather. Dense racemes of bright yellow spring blossoms give way to dusty blue berry clusters, providing critical nectar for emerging native bees and winter shelter for ground-nesting fauna. Roots contain berberine, an alkaloid historically harvested for traditional dye and folk medicinal tinctures.