Mahonia trifoliolata (Berberis trifoliolata)

An Agarita shrub has gray-green, holly-like foliage and clusters of fragrant yellow flowers from February through April. Bright red berries follow, which attract birds and small mammals and make delicious jelly. The three leaflets of Agarita are joined at a central point, distinguishing it from Texas mahonia (B. Swasey) and red barberry (B. haematocarpa). Agarita has sharp points on its leaflets, making it a helpful plant for wildlife cover and as a barrier. It grows on rocky limestone flats and slopes in the western half of Texas, west to Arizona, and south to Northern Mexico. Low maintenance, drought tolerant, evergreen, and hardy to 15 degrees F. It can grow in other soil types as long as they are well-drained. It grows best in full sunlight but will also grow in light shade.

Height: 2’-6’
Spread: 2’-6’
Bloom: February-April
Light: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Low
Zone: 7, 8, 9
Origin: Texas