Barberry; Creeping Mahonia; Creeping Oregon Grape; creeping barberry
Berberidaceae

Barberry; Creeping Mahonia; Creeping Oregon Grape; creeping barberry

Odostemon repens (Lindl.) Cockerell

Indigenous Names: Mehme-menotse, Ceci:n-bi:ci:x-o (Meaning: “Winter Leaf Plant”)
Habitat: Forested slopes; foothills to montane; Alberta, Canada to New Mexico.; Alberta, Canada to New Mexico
Seasonality: Not given
Status: Native

Traditional Food Use

Cheyenne

Fruit is harvested and eaten immediately Additional commentary: According to Northern Cheyenne elders, the fruit was used in the preparation of various medicines, but no longer is used in this manner.174 This plant is also referred to as Mahonia repens.175

Cheyenne

Fruits eaten for food

Medicinal Documentation

Cheyenne

Fruit used in medicinal preparations Additional commentary: According the Northern Cheyenne, the fruit of this plant was used in the preparation of various medicines, but no longer is.447

Ceremonial & Cultural Notes

Cheyenne

Artifacts/Material use: Stems are boiled and the yellow color used to dye quills Additional commentary: According to Northern Cheyenne elders, the fruit was used in the preparation of various medicines, but no longer is used in this manner.177 This plant is also referred to as Mahonia repens.178

Botanical Reference

Parts Documented: berries, stems, Not specified in the literature 173, fruit

Distribution: Forested slopes; foothills to montane; Alberta, Canada to New Mexico.; Alberta, Canada to New Mexico