Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Berberidaceae

Genus:

Berberis

Species:

Berberis trifoliolata

USDA Symbol:

MATR3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub

Height:

250 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

feb,mar,apr

Bloom Colors:

yellow

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Reported Fauna Sightings

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from root crown after fire. Historically maintained by periodic fire in Texas brushlands.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rocky, well-drained calcareous soil

pH:

6.5 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to arid regions, prefers rocky terrain

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days

Germination Time:

30–180 days

Notes:

Germination can be slow and erratic. Fresh seed germinates more readily than stored seed.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI