Tall Oregon Grape, Mahonia aquifolium, is flowering now with bright yellow clustered flowers that will become the blue-purple fruit seen later this summer. This is the state flower of our neighbor to the south, designated as the Oregon state flower by resolution in 1899. It has also been known as Oregongrapeholly, Holly-leaf Oregon-grape, and Hollyleaved barberry. With leaves that look like holly, this woody shrub originated in the Northwest, but has been cultivated on the East Coast and Europe.

Since the beginning of human culture, plants have been the primary source of medicine. Medicinal plants are mentioned in the Bible and the study of herbs dates back over 5,000 years to the Sumerians. The first known Chinese herb book dating from about 2700 B.C. lists 365 medicinal plants and their uses.

As a native plant, Oregon grape has been used medicinally by First Peoples and is now being used in Western medicine. The root and root bark was often used by several native North American Indian tribes to treat loss of appetite. There has been extensive research in recent years into the healing properties of Mahonia aquifolium, and in particular into its use in the treatment of psoriasis.

Plants are also used to dye cloth or other goods. The inner bark of the stem and roots produces a yellow dye and the fruit yields dark green, violet and dark blue-purple dyes. A green dye is also possible to extract from the leaves.

Many chemical dyes used in the textile industry have been shown to have cancerous effects. In the last two decades the EPA and other national and international agencies have placed increasingly strict regulations on the manufacture and use of synthetic colorants.

The pigment and dye industry has had to develop the technology necessary to analyze and remediate pollutants in wastewater. Many chemical dyes use copper. Too much copper in water damages marine life. The observed effect of these higher concentrations on fish and other creatures is damage to gills, liver, kidneys, and the nervous system. It also interferes with the sense of smell in fish, thus preventing them from choosing good mates or finding their way to mating areas.

Consider buying or using natural dyes in your purchases. To learn more about making your own dyes:

Earth Hues

A Natural Dye Color Company

Natural Dye Extracts & Instruction

Michelle Wipplinger

www.earthues.com/