Alphabetical Plant Listing

Mahonia trifoliolata (Agarita)

Agarita, Agarito, Algerita, Laredo Mahonia, Laredo Oregon-grape, Trifoliate Barberry, Wild Currant, Berberis trifoliolata, Berberis trifoliolata var. glauca, Mahonia trifoliolata var. glauca


Mahonia trifoliolata (Agarita) is a rounded, evergreen shrub with rigid, spreading branches clothed with beautiful gray-green, trifoliate, holly-like leaves, 2-4 in. long (5-10 cm), adorned with needle-sharp tips. Clusters of fragrant, bright yellow, cup-shaped flowers open in early to mid-spring. They give way to edible, red berries which can be used to make jams and jellies. Songbirds eat the fruits, and quail and small mammals use the plant for cover. Adaptable, low maintenance, heat, and drought tolerant, deer resistant, this Mahonia species, unlike most members of the genus, requires a dry, perfectly drained position in full sun or light shade.

  • Grows up to 2-6 ft. tall and wide (60-180 cm). Will spread by suckering to form thickets.
  • A full sun to light shade lover, this plant is easily grown in dry to medium, well-drained soils. Protect from strong winds.
  • Usually, no serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for rust and leaf spots.
  • Perfect for banks and slopes, foundation plantings, beds and borders, or cottage gardens.
  • Unless naturalizing is desired, suckers should be promptly removed as they appear.
  • Native to Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

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Requirements

Hardiness 7 – 9
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Mahonia
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 2' – 6' (60cm – 180cm)
Spread 2' – 6' (60cm – 180cm)
Spacing 72" (180cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, Southwest, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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Homer Edward Price, Flickr, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 7 – 9
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Mahonia
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 2' – 6' (60cm – 180cm)
Spread 2' – 6' (60cm – 180cm)
Spacing 72" (180cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, Southwest, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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