Agarita

Agarita, Mahonia trifoliolata (Berberis trifoliolata)

Also known as Agarito, Agarita is an evergreen shrub with grey-green, trifoliated, holly-like leaves. The three sharp pointed leaflets join at a central point which helps distinguish it from the similar Texas mahonia, M. swaseyi and red barberry, M. haematocarpa. Agarita can be found throughout most of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, and into Mexico. It can grow up to 1.8 m (6 ft), is drought and heat tolerant, and prefers full sun, but can grow in partial shade. In many desert shrub and grassland communities, agarita is dominant or codominant. In addition to providing as valuable cover for many species of wildlife, it also provides as a source of food. The fragrant yellow flowers that bloom in February and March are followed by red berries from May to July that are a favorite of songbirds, small mammals, and humans.