Agarita
Berberis trifoliolata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Berberis trifoliolata (Agarita) is a drought-tolerant native shrub of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona that produces fragrant yellow flower clusters in spring (March-May).
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
36"–72" H × 36"–72" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AZ, NM, TX
Pollinators
butterflies, bees, nectar insects
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Agarita is a sturdy native shrub with holly-like leaves and clusters of fragrant yellow flowers in spring. It produces red berries that are prized for jelly-making and attracts wildlife throughout the growing season.
Growing Agarita
Grow Agarita in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 36 to 72 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Agarita takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Height exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Wildlife value
The spring blooms provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Birds seek out the nutritious red berries in summer and fall.
Common questions
- When does Agarita bloom?
- Agarita blooms from March through May, producing clusters of small, fragrant yellow flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other nectar-feeding insects.
- What pollinators visit Agarita flowers?
- Agarita flowers attract butterflies, bees, and various nectar-feeding insects during its spring blooming period.
- Where is Agarita native?
- Berberis trifoliolata is native to the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, where it grows in desert and semi-arid regions.
- What growing conditions does Agarita prefer?
- Agarita thrives in full sun to partial sun locations with low water requirements, making it well-suited for xeriscaping and drought-tolerant landscapes.
- Is Agarita HOA-friendly?
- Agarita takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Agarita fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.