Agarita

The Plant
Agarita, often called wild currant (Berberis trifoliolata, Mahonia trifoliata) is a large shrub with holly-like foliage. It produces yellow flowers and bright red berries. The plant is distinguished by three sharp leaves that meet at a central hub. This makes it an excellent barrier plant. It grows is limestone slopes from Texas to Arizona and down into northern Mexico. Wild currant was commonly used by natives as a medicinal plant as well as a source of dye.

How to Harvest
The roots of the plant are dug up and then chipped into small pieces.

How to Extract Color
Soak root chips in cold water overnight. Agarita root produces a nice yellow.