Side by side
Compare plates
Lay two specimens on the bench — uses, risks, and whether either has a grow lab.
OpenCaution
Oregon grape
Mahonia aquifolium
A holly-leaved west-coast shrub whose yellow root is a bitter berberine cousin of goldenseal.
Flavor
Root is shockingly bitter and yellowing. Berry is grape-sour once cooked.
Symptoms
indigestion, irritable skin, diarrhea
In favor
A gardenable berberine shrub
Against
Berberine interactions
Days to harvest
Root after year 4–5; berries sooner
Choose a specimen