Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Berberidaceae

Genus:

Achlys

Species:

Achlys californica

USDA Symbol:

ACCA6

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

50 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun

Bloom Colors:

white

Ground Cover:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

small mammals, native bees

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

good drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

prefers shaded forest understory conditions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days

Germination Time:

30–90 days

Notes:

Seeds require cold-moist stratification and consistent moisture. Germination can be slow and erratic.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI