Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium), fam. Berberidaceae.
   Originates from North America. Sometimes occurs in the city. Absence of prickles, typical for closely related Barberry, is compensated by tough saw-toothed surface of evergreen leaves, the latter having brownish or purple tint. Oregon Grape blooms in April or May with smelly yellow bracts, and the blue berries ripen in September. Despite the tendency of many people to call all unknown berries of this color "wolf's berries" (i.e. presumably toxic), the Oregon Grape fruits are quite edible. Their taste is more or less sour and astringent, like the related barberries.
   The roots, bark, and leaves of Oregon Grape are choleretic, antiparasitic, antibacterial and antiviral remedy. Besides, their decoction is used for dying the textile in yellow. It is also used against tumors and psoriasis.

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