Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Berberidaceae

Genus:

Berberis

Species:

Berberis swaseyi

USDA Symbol:

MASW

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub

Height:

150 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

mar,apr,may

Bloom Colors:

yellow

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Can resprout from the root crown following fire; adapted to periodic fire in Texas Hill Country ecosystems.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rocky, well-drained limestone soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to limestone outcrops in Texas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days

Germination Time:

30–180 days

Notes:

Germination can be erratic; fresh seed may germinate more readily than dried seed.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI