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(Berberis swaseyi)
Texas Barberry (Berberis swaseyi)
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Michelle W.
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Michelle W.
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Michelle W. | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Michelle W. | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-05-08T12:39:47-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Berberis swaseyi, commonly known as Texas Barberry, is an evergreen shrub native to the limestone hills, canyons, and plateaus of central Texas. It typically grows to a height and width of 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters), with a compact and rounded form. The shrub is notable for its gray-green to blue-green foliage and spiny, holly-like leaves. In the spring, Texas Barberry produces clusters of bright yellow flowers, which are followed by red, elongated berries that persist into winter and are attractive to birds.
Texas Barberry is valued for its drought tolerance, low maintenance requirements, and its use as a habitat plant for wildlife. It is suitable for xeriscaping, naturalistic plantings, and as a security barrier due to its thorny branches. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, alkaline soils. While it is generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. This plant is also deer-resistant, making it a good choice for areas with high deer populations.CC BY-SA 4.0
Texas Barberry is valued for its drought tolerance, low maintenance requirements, and its use as a habitat plant for wildlife. It is suitable for xeriscaping, naturalistic plantings, and as a security barrier due to its thorny branches. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, alkaline soils. While it is generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. This plant is also deer-resistant, making it a good choice for areas with high deer populations.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-5 feet
- Width: 3-5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Fragrant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Limestone hills, canyons, and plateaus of central Texas
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Berberis swaseyi,
GBIF Accepted Name: Berberis swaseyi Buckley ex M.J.Young