Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Annonaceae

Genus:

Asimina

Species:

Asimina rugelii

USDA Symbol:

DERU

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Subshrub

Height:

300 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

mar,apr,may

Bloom Colors:

maroon, purple

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

butterflies, birds

Fragrant:

Yes

Fall Color:

yellow

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Benefits from periodic fire to reduce competition; resprouts from root crown after low-intensity fire.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

native to sandy ridges and pine flatwoods

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 90–120 days

Germination Time:

30–60 days

Notes:

Seeds require cold moist stratification for 3-4 months; germination occurs in spring after temperatures warm.