Oregon Grape Holly Berries - Knowledgebase Question

Lancaster, PA
Avatar for johnk4
Question by johnk4
February 14, 2000
Are Oregon Grape Holly berries poisonous to humans? I would like to buy some but am worried that my 3 year old might try to eat a berry and get sick.


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Answer from NGA
February 14, 2000
While I am not aware of this plant (Mahonia) being considered particularly poisonous, it is always a good idea to teach children from a very young age that they are never to eat landscape plants or even garden vegetables without checking with a grown-up first. (For example, many common landscape plants such as yews are certainly poisonous and you can't tell by looking if a vegetable has been sprayed -- and at the very least even spray-free veggies should be washed prior to eating.) You might keep the poison control telephone number handy just as a general precaution.


Avatar for butterbeer11
Answer from butterbeer11
May 31, 2024
If the plant in question is just your standard Oregon grape, of the type that grow wild throughout the Pacific Northwest, you're entirely safe! The berries are actually edible, though quite sour, so most little kids don't like them.

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