Agarita, also known as Algerita, Agritos, Currant-of-Texas, Wild Currant, and Chaparral Berry is a tough, iconic Texas native shrub. It is famous for its "holly-like" prickly leaves, fragrant spring blooms, and its role as a premier wildlife plant for birds and pollinators.
| Scientific Name |
Mahonia trifoliolata (syn. Berberis trifoliolata) |
| Foliage: Evergreen |
Blue-gray to gray-green leaves stay on the plant year-round. Each leaf is divided into three leaflets with sharp, spine-tipped lobes.
Winter/Early Spring: February-April clusters of tiny, honey-scented yellow flowers appear
Summer: Bright red, edible berries form in the early summer. These are popular for making "Agarita Jelly".
|
| Mature Height |
3-6 feet (occasionally up to 8-10 feet) |
| Mature Width (Spread) |
3-6 feet |
| Growth Rate |
Slow to Moderate |
| USDA Zone |
7-9 (Cold hardy to approx. 0F to 15F) |
Plant Care & Characteristics
Light Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade. It produces the most growth and berries in full sun but handles filtered shade well.
Water Requirements: Very Low. Once established, it survives on natural rainfall. Over-watering or poor drainage is one of the few ways to kill this plant.
Drought Resistance: High. It is drought-tolerant and heat hardy, making it a great plant for xeriscaping.
Soil Type: Well drained. It thrives in rocky, gravelly, or sandy soils. It is highly tolerant of alkaline (limestone) soils. It struggles in clay.
Deer Resistance: High. The stiff, needle-sharp leaves make it unappealing to deer.
Because the foliage is painfully sharp, it is recommended to avoid planting Agarita near high-traffic areas such as sidewalks, or child play zones. It works best as a "security hedge" where its spines won't be an issue for passersby.
