Oregon Grape: State Flower of Oregon Botanical Lady Print

State Flower of Oregon
Symbolism: Adaptability, Resilience
Berbers aquifolium
When spring sings the flowers awake, Oregon Grape fills the Pacific
Northwest with soft, butter-yellow blossoms. The holly-like leaves
change to deep reds and purples as fall approaches - right in time for
harvesting the dusty-blue berries. The tart berries are beloved in the
cascades for jellies and wine, and the rest of the plant is equally as
relevant. Roots and bark were often boiled into strong yellow
concoctions, used for medicine, and dying fabrics and fibers for
baskets.
The Saanich People of Vancouver Island traditionally harvested the inner
bark and roots for treating shellfish poisoning, as the plant holds strong
antibacterial + antimicrobial properties, perfect for alleviating Giardia
and other ailments as well. It cleans the blood internally and clears
infections and irritations externally. (Note: Avoid consuming during
pregnancy)