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Agarita
Agarita botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

Agarita

Mahonia trifoliolata

Honeybees visit agarita primarily for its abundant early-spring pollen to support brood rearing ahead of major nectar flows, with moderate nectar availability as one of the first blooming shrubs. Peak bloom occurs in March, providing a critical boost to colonies in its range. This drought-tolerant evergreen shrub requires no special management for beekeeping but can be browsed by deer in some areas.

Nectarmedium
Pollenhigh
BloomFebruary–April
USDA zones7-9
TypePerennial
Sunpartial
NativeSouthwestern United States
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