Mahonia nervosa

Low/Cascade Oregon Grape. Typically below 2’ in height, this handsome shrub offers bright yellow flowers in Spring followed by blue-black fruits in late summer. The fruits are edible but tart, better used to make preserves or wine. Bernard M’Mahon served as the steward of the plants collected by Lewis and Clark on their famous expedition. He also aided Thomas Jefferson’s gardening by sending him seeds of various plants.