Mahonia pumila Dwarf barberry (Berberidaceae) Evergreen shrub

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Mahonia pumila
Dwarf barberry
Evergreen shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Mahonia pumila plant species is found in Southwestern N. America - California and southern Oregon. It is a member of the Berberidaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Dwarf barberry. Some home gardeners know the variety as Berberis pumila

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
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Latin Name:  Mahonia pumila
Common Name:  Dwarf barberry
Family:  Berberidaceae
Author:  (Greene.)Fedde.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  0.3   Mature Width:  2

Habitat:  Mountains[11].

Medicinal Information: a decoction of the roots is used as a blood tonic and as a treatment for coughs[257]. Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Mahonia species, has marked antibacterial effects[218] and is used as a bitter tonic[213]. Since it is not appreciably absorbed by the body, it is used orally in the treatment of various enteric infections, especially bacillary dysentery[218]. It should not be used with Glyccyrriza species (Liquorice) because this nullifies the effects of the berberine[218]. Berberine has also shown antitumour activity[218]. The root and rootbark are best harvested in the autumn[213].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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