There are over 450 species of Oregon grape. Mahonia aquifolium is the most commonly used, though you will also see referenced Berberis (or Mahonia) nervosa, M. repens, and M. fremontii. These Western varieties of Oregon grape (AKA mountain grape) are native to the Pacific Northwest in the United States and commonly found in mountainous regions, from Colorado to the Pacific Northwest, including Oregon, Northern California, and as far north as British Columbia in Canada. Mahonia is an evergreen shrub in the family Berberidaceae.

Mahonia Bealei, M. Nutall, B. sargentiana, and B. thunbergii are native to eastern Asia, the Himalayas, and North and Central America. Mahonia Bealei and B. Nutall are the varieties most commonly used in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)

In TCM, Oregon grape is one of the best herbs for Clearing Heat and Draining Damp.

The root, root bark, and stem are all bitter and used medicinally, and the young leaves and berries are edible, but be forewarned, they are very tart!

All varieties of Oregon grape contain the healing compound berberine, famous for its antimicrobial properties.

All varieties are also commonly used for treating stomach and digestive tract infections.

Find out more about this important healing plant, Oregon grape!