Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is an evergreen shrub related to the barberry. Some authors place Mahonia in the barberry genus, Berberis. The Oregon-grape is not closely related to grapes, but gets its name from the purple clusters of berries whose color and slightly dusted appearance is reminiscent of grapes. The small purplish-black fruits, which are quite tart and contain large seeds. The fruit is bitter, and generally not eaten without being sweetened first.