Agarita
Berberis trifoliolata
Also listed as Mahonia trifoliolata, Alloberberis trifoliolata
Also known as Agarito, Algerita, Wild Currant Agarita
Climate Match for your location
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Agarita is a native Texas shrub with fragrant yellow flowers in late winter and spring, followed by bright red berries that ripen around late April to early May. The tart, juicy berries are edible and traditionally made into jelly, wine, or fruit juice; the plant is drought-tolerant and needs minimal care once established.
Why grow it
Agarita fills a niche for Texas gardeners seeking native shrubs that tolerate drought and poor soils with minimal amendment. It produces earlier spring flowers than many comparable native berry-producing shrubs, and its fruit persists through winter to feed wildlife when other food sources are scarce. Its dense growth habit makes it useful for screening or hedging in xeric landscapes where establishment of non-native alternatives would require supplemental water.
Watch out for
Agarita can spread vegetatively in favorable conditions through root suckers, which may require management if contained growth is desired. The spiny foliage can make pruning or harvesting uncomfortable, so gloves and long sleeves are advisable during maintenance.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Berberidaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Texas and northern Mexico
Native to: Arizona, New Mexico, Texas
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Agarita is a native Texas shrub with fragrant yellow flowers in late winter and spring, followed by bright red berries that ripen around late April to early May. The tart, juicy berries are edible and traditionally made into jelly, wine, or fruit juice; the plant is drought-tolerant and needs minimal care once established.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Agarita grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Agarita fills a niche for Texas gardeners seeking native shrubs that tolerate drought and poor soils with minimal amendment. It produces earlier spring flowers than many comparable native berry-producing shrubs, and its fruit persists through winter to feed wildlife when other food sources are scarce. Its dense growth habit makes it useful for screening or hedging in xeric landscapes where establishment of non-native alternatives would require supplemental water.
Watch out for
Agarita can spread vegetatively in favorable conditions through root suckers, which may require management if contained growth is desired. The spiny foliage can make pruning or harvesting uncomfortable, so gloves and long sleeves are advisable during maintenance.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Berberidaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Texas and northern Mexico
Native to: Arizona, New Mexico, Texas
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
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