Mexican barberry
Mahonia trifoliolata

Family: Berberidaceae

What it is like

An evergreen shrub. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 1-3.1 m tall. The leaves are stiff and spiny and like holly leaves. They are alternate and 5-10 cm long. They are divided into 3 leaflets that have 3-7 lobes ending in sharp spines. The flowers are yellow and cup shaped. The fruit are bright red berries. They are 8 mm across.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in dry, stony soil. It is best in a partly shady place. It can tolerate cold.

Countries/locations it is found in

Central America, Mexico, North America (country/location of origin), USA

How it is used for food

The fruit are used for jelly and wine. They are also used in preserves, drinks, cakes and tarts. The young leaves can be lightly simmered and eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from semi-ripe cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Agarita, Algerita, Laredo mahonia, Agrito

Synonyms

Berberis trifoliolata Moric.; Mahonia trifoliolata var. glauca I. M. Johnst.;