Help Identifying This Berry

[bjblackmore]

Hi,

My mother has loads of these berries in her garden, but we have no idea what they are! Can anyone help? The berry colour is sililar to blueberries, but the shape is more pointed, and the leaves look a little bit like holly.

Thanks

Ben

[Flummery]

Looks like Mahonia - also known as Oregon Grape. I believe you can eat it and cook with it. Never tried as my own Mahonia is only a baby!

[Lovage]

Yes definately Mahonia the spiny leaves on the bottom picture clinch it

Apparently the berries make a good jam and are very high in pectin but I've never tried it - the birds always get them first!

[vicky]

Mahonia, I've heard you can eat them too but they don't look that appealing!

[bjblackmore]

Thanks for the replies guys. Nice to know they are edible, as there looks like quite a good crop on these bushes!

[Flummery]

They are very astringent (as you'll find out if you eat one!) so you need loads of sugar with them. I think they are used medicinally too though I'm not sure what for. Maybe a quick Google will tell you?

[Polly Fouracre]

One of the bitter herbs. Root and rhizome used for liver complaints and as a blood purifier. also good for excema, acne and cold sores. AS WITH ALL BITTER HERBS, DO NOT USE IF PREGNANT!!

[lizzylemon]

well well well well, very interesting post. I was told as a small never to eat them as very poisonous and never have done. Seen stacks of them over the years