Oregon Grape

mahoniaMahonia aquifolium v. aquifolium, commonly called Oregon Grape, is native to the Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens.  It ranges from British Columbia to Northern California.  Its leaves resemble holly with shiny leaflets edged with spines.  They turn purplish in winter.  Early-spring flowers appear in 2-3 inch clusters along the stems.  Edible blue-black fruit with gray bloom makes good jelly we’re told.