What is Oregon Grape Root?

Oregon Grape Root is the dried root of Mahonia aquifolium (also classified as Berberis aquifolium), an evergreen shrub in the barberry family (Berberidaceae) native to the forests of the Pacific Northwest. The "Oregon" in its name is part of the plant's common name, not a location claim.

About the plant

Oregon Grape is the state flower of Oregon and one of the most abundant berberine-bearing plants of the Pacific Northwest, ranging through Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and northern California. Its root is bright yellow from berberine and related isoquinoline alkaloids. As Goldenseal has come under conservation pressure, Oregon Grape has been adopted as a more sustainable regional source of the same alkaloid.

Related herbs

• Oregon Grape Root Powder — the same root finely ground.

Oregon Grape Root: form & sizes

We carry Oregon Grape Root as cut and sifted dried root, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Oregon Grape Root in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Oregon Grape Root at a glance

Botanical name

Mahonia aquifolium

Family

Berberidaceae

Native region

the Pacific Northwest of North America

Plant part

root

Also classified as

Berberis aquifolium

Notable compound

Berberine (the yellow alkaloid)

Form

cut and sifted dried root

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb