Are these berries edible?

[ksalme]

I have had this bush grow in my garden since I can remember but I always thought the berries were poisonous because the bush looked scary but now I saw an article about a Mahonia aquifoli and it looked very similar. A penny for your thoughts?

 

[Chuck]

That looks like Oregon Grape. It isn't a grape but Native Americans used the berries as a food source. Folks today make jams and jellies out of it.

 

[ksalme]

Okay, thanks!

 

[Mrsclem]

The plant itself is toxic to animals

 

[ksalme]

The plant itself is toxic to animals

Ohh okay, thanks

 

[Marck]

Mahonia berry jam or syrup can be delicious. I recommend you try it. I've ate it but never made it. A quick search will give you many similar recipes.