Agarita 10 Seeds Mahonia trifoliolata Desert Shrub

Mahonia trifoliolata, commonly known as the Agarita or Texas Mahonia, is a hardy evergreen shrub native to the southwestern United States, especially found in Texas and New Mexico. It features holly-like leaves with three leaflets (hence "trifoliata") and produces bright yellow, fragrant flowers in late winter to early spring. These flowers are followed by dark blue berries, which are edible but tart, often used in jams and jellies.

Agarita is well-suited for xeriscaping and can thrive in rocky, dry soils, making it a popular choice for low-maintenance landscaping in arid regions. Its spiny foliage provides good wildlife cover, and the plant is also drought-tolerant once established. Here’s a detailed description of the plant:

Appearance:

Size: Typically grows to about 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters) in height and width, though it can sometimes grow taller in favorable conditions.

Leaves: The leaves are composed of three leathery, spiny leaflets, giving it a holly-like appearance. The leaflets are blue-green to gray-green with white veins. In cold weather, the leaves may take on a reddish or bronze tint.

Flowers: In late winter or early spring (usually around February to April), the plant produces clusters of small, bright yellow flowers. These are fragrant and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Berries: After flowering, the plant produces blue to purple, oval-shaped berries. While the berries are edible, they are quite tart and are often used in making jellies or preserves.

Growth Conditions:

Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Well-drained, rocky, or sandy soils are ideal. It tolerates dry conditions once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping.

Watering: Drought-tolerant once mature, but it benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods.

Uses:

Agarita is valued for its resilience and low maintenance, making it a great choice for desert landscapes, erosion control, or as an ornamental shrub in gardens. It also provides valuable cover for wildlife.

Its berries, though tart, are used in local culinary traditions for making jelly, wine, and other treats.

Overall:

Agarita is a tough, versatile plant, well-adapted to arid climates. Its spiny leaves and striking yellow flowers make it an attractive addition to many landscapes, especially in southwestern or xeric environments.