Salal brush and Oregon grape leaves trial

[Jedi_Sena]

I'm about to begin a new food trial on Salal brush and Oregon grape leaves. When my molters come up safely, I'll begin. But I was wondering if anyone had any experience w/ these already or have any words of caution for these specific plants.

Here's salal brush:
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/lewis ... 15_42.html

Here's Oregon Grape:
http://www.oakpointnursery.com/dull_oregon_grape.htm

[hermiesrokmysox]

never heard of a salal brush, it sure is pretty! post the results when you finish.

[Jaci]

where do those plants grow?

[Jedi_Sena]

I guess the "brush" indicates it's growing habit, like a thicket. The Salal I'm trying was obtained in Washington State, USA. It probably grows in Oregon and Northern CA too, but I'm not sure. Lots of people use it in floral arrangements because it lasts long w/out drying out fast. I'll keep you posted on the trial, but since everyone is down molting, it won't peak any interest for a while.

[Jaci]

i'll have to ask my mom about it. she grew up in that area. maybe she knows what it is and what it looks like. how did you find it and think to feed it to your crabs?

[Jedi_Sena]

My cousin has been sending me things from the rural area where she lives that I can't find in Colorado like maple and grape leaves, etc. These things can be grown in CO, but not wild like the stuff she has access to. She is a wild-life junky and loves identifying plants when she goes horseback riding. I'm putting her hobby to use in an effort to expand the diets of my own crabs and sharing what we find on the forums.

[Jaci]

well that's a good idea! lol.

[Jedi_Sena]

Crabs are up from their molt and they have tasted the Salal brush leaves. Last night one leaf was significantly damaged so the food trial begins. . .