Agarita
Mahonia trifoliolata
Last reviewed: August 2026
Agarita (Mahonia trifoliolata) is a perennial shrub native to AZ, NM, OK, TX. It blooms in February and March. The flowers draw bees. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Toxicity unknown
Agarita (Mahonia trifoliolata) 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
full sun
Water
low
Size
36"–72" H × 36"–72" W
Bloom
Feb, Mar
Native to
AZ, NM, OK, TX
Pollinators
bees
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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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A dense, evergreen shrub with holly-like, spine-tipped blue-green leaflets and clusters of small, fragrant yellow flowers that appear in late winter before most other plants bloom. Flowers give way to tart red berries later in the season. Slow-growing and long-lived, tolerating poor, rocky soil and drought.
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 is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, street edge, mid zone.
- spine-tipped leaves can be a hazard directly along walkways
Wildlife value
Early-season yellow flowers provide one of the first nectar sources of the year for bees, and the later berries feed birds and small mammals.
Common questions
- How much sun does Agarita need?
- Agarita grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Agarita bloom?
- Agarita blooms in February and March.
- Where is Agarita native?
- Agarita (Mahonia trifoliolata) is native to AZ, NM, OK, TX, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Agarita attract?
- Agarita draws bees.
- Is Agarita HOA-friendly?
- Agarita is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Agarita? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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