Interesting Facts
Mahonia aquifolium has many different and
unique traits, and one interesting fact is that it has a high
chemical pollutant tolerance which makes it a plant used in
urban landscaping. The berries of the Oregon Grape are used as
natural colorants and also can be made into jelly. Until 2007,
the Hungarian government encouraged farmers to grow M. aquifolium for ornamental purposes by subsidizing the
establishment of new plantations. The genus name honors
Irish-American pioneer nurseryman Bernard McMahon (1775-1816),
who was a close friend to Thomas Jefferson, who was a radical
gardener for much longer than he was a president. Thomas
Jefferson's gardens persisting at Montecello to this day include
much that was provided to Jefferson by McMahon.
Bernard McMahon became curator over the seeds
and plants
gathered in the west during the Lewis & Clark Expedition.