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Barreta

Helietta parvifolia

Last reviewed: October 2026

Barreta (Helietta parvifolia)
Photo: (c) Reid Hardin, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Barreta (Helietta parvifolia) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

low

Size

144"–156" H × 24"–36" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

TX

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern Texas Plains

Barreta is a slender evergreen tree that grows 12-13 feet tall with a narrow 2-3 foot spread. This native Texas tree produces small white flowers in spring and maintains its green foliage year-round. It works well as an accent tree or screen in areas with partial sun and minimal water needs.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Barreta is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, mid zone.

  • Trees often require HOA/ARC approval even when allowed.
  • Verify setbacks from sidewalks, driveways, utilities, and structures.
  • Confirm mature height/canopy limits and sightline rules for corners.

Wildlife value

The spring flowers attract various small pollinators including native bees and beneficial insects. Birds may use the dense foliage for nesting and shelter.

Common questions

How much sun does Barreta need?
Barreta grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Barreta bloom?
Barreta blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Barreta native?
Barreta (Helietta parvifolia) is native to TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Barreta HOA-friendly?
Barreta is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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