Barreta
Helietta parvifolia
Last reviewed: August 2026
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
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
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.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Barreta? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz