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Mahonia trifoliolata

Image of Mahonia trifoliolata

James H. Schutte

Family

Berberidaceae

Botanical Name

Mahonia trifoliolata

Plant Common Name

Algerita, Chaparral Berry, Laredo Mahonia, Trifoliate Grape Holly, Wild Currant

General Description

An all-season beauty from the American Southwest and adjacent Mexico, this upright, medium-sized shrub bears fragrant yellow blossoms in winter, edible red fruits in summer, and attractive holly-like leaves year-round.

Stiff, thick leaves with three narrow, lobed, spiny leaflets are paired along the ascending branches of this handsome evergreen shrub. The leaves are typically bluish green, with some plants possessing striking steely-blue foliage. Blue-leaved forms are sometimes sold under the illegitimate botanical name glauca. A few leaves are typically shed in autumn; these often turn fiery hues before falling. In late winter or early spring clusters of small fragrant yellow flowers appear in the leaf axils, attracting bees. Small pea-sized berries follow the flowers, ripening orange-red. The fruits can be made into wine or jelly.

Grow algerita in full sun to light shade in well-drained, acidic to alkaline soil. Tolerating rocky soil, intense heat and drought, it is ideal for gardens in hot arid zones. Use it in mixed borders, hedges, and naturalistic plantings. It provides cover and food for birds and small mammals. This plant is an alternate host of the fungal disease wheat stem rust.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 8

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    8 - 11

  • Sunset Zone

    3a, 3b, 10, 11, 12, 13

  • Plant Type

    Broadleaf Evergreen

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    6'-8' / 1.8m - 2.4m

  • Width

    5'-8' / 1.5m - 2.4m

  • Bloom Time

    Early Spring, Late Winter

  • Native To

    Southwestern United States, Texas, Mexico

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Yellow

  • Fruit Color

    Red, Magenta, Orange Red

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Blue Green, Gray Green, Steel Blue

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Blue Green, Gray Green, Steel Blue

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Blue Green, Gray Green, Steel Blue

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green, Blue Green, Gray Green, Steel Blue

  • Bark Color

    Plum, Brown, Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    Yes

  • Edible Fruit

    Yes

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Edible, Hedges, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Screening / Wind Break

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    Yes

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes