Texas Screwstem

Bartonia paniculata subsp. texana

Native to:
United States

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Gentianaceae
Genus:
Bartonia
Species:
Bartonia paniculata subsp. texana
USDA Symbol:
BATE2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
aug,sep,oct
Bloom Colors:
white, cream

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, small pollinators
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Common in fire-maintained wet pine savannas. Benefits from periodic burns that reduce woody competition and maintain open wetland conditions.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers open, sunny areas with poor soil

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination. Surface sow on moist acidic substrate and maintain consistent moisture.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI