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. [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[]
- ↑ Texas Native Plants Database. (n.d.). Retrieved June 28, 2016, from http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamentals/nativeshrubs/mahoniatrifol.htm
- ↑ 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 \