The Incredible Oregon Grape

Oregon grape is an evergreen shrub which is widespread and common at low to mid elevations on dry plateaus, in dry to moist forests and clearings. This plant will grow to 20-100 cm; has 5-9 leathery leaves which are glossy green above and spiny teeth along the edges; bright yellow clustered flowers and blue berries which resemble grapes. This plant is often used in landscaping in hedges, it is low maintenance and will attract birds. Oregon grape occurs in the Pacific Northwest from British Columbia to northern California. 

Southern Interior native people used the inner bark of large stems to extract a yellow dye for baskets. The fruit is bitter and generally not eaten without being sweetened first. Herbalists use this plant medicinally to decrease bacterial resistance to antibiotics and antibacterial agents.