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Mahonia trifoliolata (Berberis trifoliolata) The Mahonia trifoliolata shrub is a lovely plant that typically grows between 2 and 6 feet tall and wide. It features charming, prickly trifoliate leaves, delightful fragrant yellow flowers, and eye-catching globular red berries. This native gem thrives in various landscapes, from the flats and slopes of grasslands to shrubby areas, rocky hillsides, pastures, and open woodlands stretching from western Texas to Arizona and into northern Mexico. Each thick leaflet of the trifoliate leaves sports 1 to 3 tiny spines. In early spring, you can enjoy the blooming yellow flowers that appear in lovely axillary clusters, followed by the development of tasty berries that change from orange to vibrant red. These berries aren’t just a treat for us; they’re also appealing snacks for our feathered friends. Mahonia trifoliolata plants thrive best when planted in full sun to light shade, preferring dry to medium moisture and well-drained soils in USDA Zones 7-9. They’re quite resilient, tolerating slightly alkaline soils and demonstrating drought tolerance. For optimal growth, it’s a great idea to place the plant in a spot away from strong winds. As these plants spread through suckering, be mindful that if you don’t want them to naturalize, it’s best to remove any suckers as soon as they appear. Keep in mind that a single specimen shrub might have some challenges with fruiting, so consider planting multiple shrubs together for the best fruit production. BONAP MAP Height: 2’-6'Spread: 2’-6'Bloom: February-April Light: Full Sun-Part ShadeWater: LowZone: 7-9Origin: Texas Show more