Agarito (Berberis trifoliolata)

   
 

Foliage and fruit of Berberis trifoliolata. Flowers. Photographs by Wynn Anderson.

• Common English Names: Currant-of-Texas, Wild Current, Chapparral Berry
• Common Spanish Names: Agarito, Agarita, Algerita, Agrillo, Palo Amarillo
• Scientific Name: Berberis trifoliolata (BER-ber-iss try-fo-lee-o-LAY-tuh) (also known as Mahonia trifoliolata)
• Family: Berberidaceae (Barberry Family)
• Geographic Range: Across southern Arizona and southern New Mexico to the Panhandle and Trans-Pecos Texas, east and south through central and south Texas into Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
• Plant Form: Evergreen shrub 8' H x 6' W.
• Remarks: Stiff, erect branches with leathery, bluish-green to gray-green holly-like foliage consisting of three leaflets with stiff marginal spines. Small clusters of fragrant yellow flowers appear in early spring followed by round juicy, tart, edible red berries in summer. Good wildlife plant. Very xeric ornamental. Low water, full sun, any well draining soil, cold hardy.

Last Update: 4 Sep 2002