Oregon Grape
Oregon grape, also called Mahonia aquifolium, tall mahonia, hollyleaved barberry, mountain grape, Oregon grape-holly, and Oregon hollygrape, is an upright evergreen shrub from 0.6 to 3m in height. (Francis, 2003) The Oregon state flower is Mahonia aquifolium. (Wythe) Of the many species of Mahonia (Berberis), three are abundant in Oregon and throughout the Pacific Northwest: M. aquifolium, M. repens, and M. nervosa. ("Mahonia: Oregon grape," ) This shrub is slow growing with stems that can last up to about ten years. The Oregon Grape is often planted hedge-style against fences and walls, but may be used as a freestanding hedge in narrow slots between driveways. ("Oregon grape holly,")
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Quick Facts About the Tree
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Community Surrounding the Tree
The species of animals that are drawn to the Oregon grape tree could be various birds that are attracted to the berries on the branches of the shrubs. I can imagine that bees are also drawn to the Oregon Grape due to the flowering buds.
Enthobotony
The early settlers learned about this root's amazing medical properties in the 1800's and Oregon grape tonics were a popular market commodity. (Wythe) The roots and bark of the shrub Mahonia aquifolium (also called Oregon grape) have traditionally been used both orally and topically to treat skin problems. They were also used for other conditions such as gastritis, fever, hemorrhage, jaundice, gall bladder disease, and cancer. ("Oregon grape," 2013) The fruit (it is NOT a grape) is deep blue and purple clusters of berries! (Wythe) The berries are edible, though not always palatable, as they are often quite tart. Recipes for jelly usually combine the juice of Oregon grape with that of the sweeter salal berries or apple concentrate. ("Mahonia: Oregon grape," )
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Current Research About the Oregon Grape Root
The Oregon Grape root is used for many traditional reasons. Doctors use the root to help with various skin diseases. The study of this was used on human beings and showed that the root does help. “Researchers thoughtfully noted that the crude extracts of a variety of plants healed skin diseases such as acne differently than pharmaceuticals, and stated that sometimes herbal therapy is either the best or only choice of treatment for certain skin conditions.” (Pravel, 2012) Even though the root is tough and specifically used for the healing of acne the root can also be boiled and drank to help with the colon.
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Beauty is All Around Us
Chico State sets itself apart from other universities by priding its self in a breath taking campus. Chico State has over two hundred species of trees and shrubs on its campus. Whether one is visiting Chico or is a permanent resident here, there is one thing everyone can agree upon is the beautiful scenery that it provides. I have visited various other campuses and there was not one that is quite like Chico State. As an incoming freshman to Chico I would not call myself a “tree expert” but I have been given the opportunity to learn more about the different species of trees that Chico gives a home to.
I can be on my way to class and just want to take in all that is around me. This campus may not be my first home because I don’t live in the dorms, but it surely is my second home. I never dread coming to my classes because I know that I get to come to class and see the seasons changing all around me in the plants on campus. In my English class we were assigned to go further into our beautifully landscaped campus and research different shrubs and trees. The Oregon Grape happens to be the shrub I got to research. I may not be from Oregon but I know beauty when I see it. This shrub on campus is not the biggest bush but it does have some of the prettiest yellow flowers on their steam that gives off the sweetest honey smell. For now, the leaves are still green but within a few weeks with the cold weather coming in, the shrub should start changing to an orange red color.
I cannot believe that such beauty is all around me. With the seasons changing, so does the foliage around us. The Oregon Grape is a simple beauty and I feel that I can relate to it. Staying fairly green year round but having its peak point in spring to bloom.
I can be on my way to class and just want to take in all that is around me. This campus may not be my first home because I don’t live in the dorms, but it surely is my second home. I never dread coming to my classes because I know that I get to come to class and see the seasons changing all around me in the plants on campus. In my English class we were assigned to go further into our beautifully landscaped campus and research different shrubs and trees. The Oregon Grape happens to be the shrub I got to research. I may not be from Oregon but I know beauty when I see it. This shrub on campus is not the biggest bush but it does have some of the prettiest yellow flowers on their steam that gives off the sweetest honey smell. For now, the leaves are still green but within a few weeks with the cold weather coming in, the shrub should start changing to an orange red color.
I cannot believe that such beauty is all around me. With the seasons changing, so does the foliage around us. The Oregon Grape is a simple beauty and I feel that I can relate to it. Staying fairly green year round but having its peak point in spring to bloom.
References
Oregon grape holly. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/1832/oregon-grape-holly.php
Francis, J. K. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. (2003). Plants for a future. Retrieved from International Institute of Tropical Forestry website: http://www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Mahonia aquifolium.pdf
Oregon grape. (2013, August). Retrieved from http://therapy.epnet.com/nat/GetContent.asp?siteid=EBSCO&chunkiid=21828
Pravel, D. (2012). Oregon grape root excites dermatologists for the treatment of psoriasis and other skin diseases: http://www.naturalnews.com/oregon_grape_root.html
Francis, J. K. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. (2003). Plants for a future. Retrieved from International Institute of Tropical Forestry website: http://www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Mahonia aquifolium.pdf
Oregon grape. (2013, August). Retrieved from http://therapy.epnet.com/nat/GetContent.asp?siteid=EBSCO&chunkiid=21828
Pravel, D. (2012). Oregon grape root excites dermatologists for the treatment of psoriasis and other skin diseases: http://www.naturalnews.com/oregon_grape_root.html