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 The Plant[]

Berberis trifoliolata berries

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. [1] Wild currant was commonly used by natives as a medicinal plant as well as a source of dye. [2]

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.

References[]

  1. Texas Native Plants Database. (n.d.). Retrieved June 28, 2016, from http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamentals/nativeshrubs/mahoniatrifol.htm
  2. How Indians Use Wild Plants for Food, Medicine, and Crafts. (n.d.). Retrieved June 28, 2016, from https://books.google.com/books/about/How_Indians_Use_Wild_Plants_for_Food_Med.html?id=xUj4lCHX-PwC \
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