Berberis nervosa

Varieties in Mahonia nervosa are not recognized by Kartesz (1999); in 1994, he had recognized vars. mendocinensis and nervosa. These plants have also been treated in the genus Berberis (FNA vol. 3, 1997).

Mahonia nervosa ranges from British Columbia south through California in coniferous forests typically only on the western side of the Cascades Range. It is relatively abundant throughout its range. This species is traded in the medicinal, herbal, and landscaping markets, but to a lesser degree than Mahonia aquifolium, because its roots are relatively smaller. However, it may be threatened by increased demand as it is considered to be interchangeable with Mahonia aquifolium by some sources familiar with the medicinal plants industry.

Mahonia nervosa ranges from British Columbia, Canada, and south through California, U.S.

Mahonia species are reportedly used as a substitute for goldenseal (Tilford 1998). Some experts in the medicinal plant industry have suggested that trade is medium to large and demand has increased over the past ten years (Robbins 1999). Thus, although current demand is modest, increased interest is possible. Therefore, trends in commercial interest and collecting activities should be monitored even though it is relatively common in its native range. This species is traded in the medicinal, herbal, and landscaping markets, however it may be less viable for large-scale commercial harvest than Mahonia aquifolium because its roots are relatively smaller (Vance et al. in press). Disturbance reduces this species' ability to spread through rhizomes (Vance et al. in press). See Vance et al. (in press) for suggested guidelines for sustainable harvesting techniques.