The Edible Landscape: Agarita

This is Agarita (Mahonia trifoliata). Agarita is a beautiful native landscape plant here in Central Texas. It often grows in the understory and provides valuable shelter for rabbits and other small animals with its spiky leaves. They use agarita to escape from predators.

This time of year it is also an important wildlife food source. If you come across one and are confident in the identity of the plant, try one of the delicious red berries - sweet and tart!

Many local nurseries have started carrying Agarita. It's a great addition to woodland gardens, and it's also effective as a specimen or planted along fences as a boundary. Agarita is draught-tolerant and low maintenance once established. If you're looking for an easy-to-care for garden addition with wildlife value, give Agarita a go!