Oregon Grape (Mahonia nervosa)

Family: Berberidaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Mahonia nervosa is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from February to April. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour but it is rather nice raw, especially when added to muesli or porridge. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; An acid flavour but it is rather nice raw, especially when added to muesli or porridge.; Unfortunately, there is relatively little flesh and a lot of seeds.; Too acid for most tastes but they are very good in jams, jellies, pies etc.

Habitat & North American Range

Light dry woods and rocky ledges. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)