One of the very unusual plants found in Charleston gardens is the Mahonia, also known as Oregon Grape. This is primarily a shade plant, and adds quite a luster to scenic and historic locations in old Charleston such as the Garden Walk between King and Archdale streets. The plant was discovered by a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition, and it was named for him, and the fact that it was found in the Oregon territory makes it the state flower there. Most notable for spiny leaves and succulent purple drupes, the Mahonia is not a plant soon forgotten.
