Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Berberidaceae

Genus:

Caulophyllum

Species:

Caulophyllum giganteum

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

2-3 ft

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

mar, apr, may

Bloom Colors:

Red, Yellow, Purple, Brown

Native Range

United States: Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia, Canada: Ontario, Quebec

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★★ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

good drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

prefers shaded, forested environments

Germination Information