EDIBLE IMPOSTOR
Holly or Oregon Grape?
Save the holly for the holidays
WORDS BREANNE ROGERS
F
or the savvy forager, the natural habitats of
the West Coast offer a plethora of wild plants
and herbs that can be used to treat minor
medical issues or to provide a source of food. But
sometimes the vegetation in the verdant forests and
trails of the Pacific Northwest can look the same, as
is the case with European holly and Oregon grape.
Mistaking one for the other can have some uncomfortable consequences, so it’s best to be certain
which plant is which.
When you think of holly, it is likely an image of
European holly that comes to mind. European holly
(Ilex aquifolium) is an evergreen and deciduous plant
that was likely brought over to North America by the
early European settlers. The shrubs and trees have
distinctive dark green foliage with spiny leaves that are
slightly lighter in colour underneath. It is most commonly used for aesthetic purposes in gardens and
parks, and is a staple in the wreaths and garlands of
Christmas decorations. The plant is not, however, a
source for food for humans; though not fatal, the berries can be difficult for humans to digest, and so their
consumption in large quantities can cause nausea,
vomiting, or diarrhea. Unfortunately this holly is sometimes mistaken for Oregon grape.
Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is the state
flower for Oregon, and grows primarily in western
North America. Though the plant is not classified as
a holly, its leaves are very similar in shape and colour
to those of European holly and many other plants in
the Aquifoliaceae family: shiny, lush green, spiny, and
curved into a number of pointed tips.
Oregon grape, unlike European holly, can be a
source of food. Many Indigenous peoples, including the Kwakwaka’wakw, Secwepemc, Squamish,
and Straits Salish, have incorporated the berries into
their diets, often mixed with sweeter fruits. The juice
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WEST COAST WILD HARVEST
JIM CHAMPION
HANS
PETE
JOHN POYSER