CREEPING HOLLYGRAPE 



Berberis repens Lindley 



The shiny, prickly leaves of the hollygrape are so nearly like holly, 

 that upon first glance we may think we have found that tree, reduced 

 to a bush or low plant creeping over the ground. Closer inspection 

 reveals many differences, for the berries, growing in a bunch, are of a 

 lovely blue color— almost like small grapes— with plenty of bloom. 

 They are rather pungent and sour to the taste, but are good for jelly or 

 for making a refreshing drink, most welcome to quench the thirst 

 when climbing a mountain side. As autumn approaches, the leaves 

 change to red, either all over or around their borders, and are then most 

 attractive in coloring. They remain upon the plant all winter. 



Creeping hollygrape is found from California and New Mexico to 

 Alberta and British Columbia. The Oregon hollygrape, Berberis aqui- 

 folium, often known as Oregon grape, has been designated the State 

 flower of Oregon, by vote of the legislature. Three species of holly- 

 grape occur abundantly in the Pacific Northwest. 



The specimen sketched was gathered in Sinclair Canyon, Columbia 

 River Valley in British Columbia, at an altitude of 3,500 feet. 



PLATE 30 



