BERBERIDACEAE

Berberis trifoliolata

Common Name:  Agarita, Currant of Texas

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leaves--do you see how this plant received its specific epithet, trifoliolata? flowers in March--these flowers smell good!
Berberis flowers have a unique pollination mechanism whereby the insect pollinator triggers stamen motion (when it reaches for the nectar) depositing pollen onto its head young fruits in Spring--these will turn bright red, and are then edible (although not always tasty!)
 
flower up close--the sepals and petals are both yellow in Berberis this butterfly larve is a common parasite on Berberis flowers
   
Berberis trifoliolata is a medium to large shrub emerging flower buds early in spring