Oregon grape

noun

Or·​e·​gon grape ˈȯr-i-gən- 

ˈär-,

-ˌgän-

: an evergreen shrub (Berberis aquifolium) of the barberry family that has yellow flowers, bears edible bluish-black berries, and is native to western North America

Illustration of Oregon grape

Examples of Oregon grape in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Groundcovers: Dwarf coyote bush (one of the best possible deep-rooting slope retainers), manzanita (incredibly fire resistant with hard, dense leaves), Ceanothus, and Oregon grape. —Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 20 Sep. 2024

Japanese honeysuckle, dewberry, dogwood, blackberry cane, and Oregon grape are all examples of regional species that are highly favored by deer—and most of them can last well into the winter. —Scott Bestul, Field & Stream, 4 Jan. 2024

Berberine is a natural compound found in various plants, including goldenseal, turmeric, and Oregon grape. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 12 Sep. 2023

Berberine is a bioactive compound derived from a variety of shrubs, including barberry, Oregon grape, goldthread, tree turmeric, and others. —Sarah Garone, Health, 1 June 2023

An old Oregon grape has long thrived nearby the black walnut. —oregonlive, 26 Jan. 2023

The results, fermented in his garage, convinced him that Oregon grapes make world-class wines. —Richard Ruelas, The Arizona Republic, 31 Mar. 2023

The Oregon grape is Oregon's state flower. —Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 5 Feb. 2023

Solaray’s Berberine Root Extract combines Indian Barberry Berberine with Oregon grape for maximum potency and quality. —Dallas News, 17 Oct. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Oregon, state of the U.S.

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

Oregon grape

noun

Or·​e·​gon grape ˌȯr-i-gən-, ˌär-, -ˌgän- 

: an evergreen shrub of the genus Mahonia (M. aquifolium) having a rhizome and roots from which various alkaloids (as berberine) are obtained