Mahonia nervosa
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Common name: Dwarf Oregon-grape, Cascade barberry, Cascade Oregon-grape, or dull Oregon-grape
Mahonia nervosa is an evergreen shrub, common in second growth, Douglas-fir or western redcedar forests, and depends on sunlight that makes it through the tree canopy. It was unknown to the Western world until collected by the Lewis and Clark expedition. It was named for an American botanist, Bernard McMahon, and 'nervosa' refers to the veined leaves. The blue berries are edible and make a delicious but sour jelly; the bark is used as a dye; while the yellow flowers add a taste treat to green salads.
Flower photo: DHochmayr [Public domain]
Other photos by Midge Oke