Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Diapensiaceae

Genus:

Pyxidanthera

Species:

Pyxidanthera barbulata

USDA Symbol:

PYBA

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb , Subshrub

Height:

8 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

mar,apr,may

Bloom Colors:

white, pink

Ground Cover:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Native to pine barrens ecosystems where periodic fire maintains open sandy habitat. Resprouts from mat base after light burns.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

4.5 - 6.0 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

often found in pine barrens and sandy coastal plains

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days

Germination Time:

30–90 days

Notes:

Seeds require light for germination and cold stratification. Germination can be erratic.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI