Id-Code: AA 061
Family: Berberidaceae
Origin: Western North America
Special Features: Spreading groundcover for shade with bottlebrush blooms
History: Native Americans used leaf mixtures for the treatment of tuberculosis; dried leaves are fragrant when crushed
Colour: White
Natural Flowering Period: June
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z3-7
Growth Habit: Spreading groundcover
Foliage: Trifoliate, fan-shaped leaves
Height with Flowers: 25 cm (10'')
Spacing between Plants: 30 cm (12'')
Soil Requirements: Evenly moist well-drained soils, pH 5.5 - 6.8
Location: Shade
Use: Plant in the woodland garden with Anemonella thalictrides, Actaea rubra and Panax
Specialities: Interesting groundcover

Cultural Tips:
Grams per 1000 Seeds: 10
Seeds per Gram: 100
Seeding Recommendation: 25 g / 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: -
Plug tray recommended size(s): Deep open flats
Germination: The sowing must be kept warm (about +18 to 22°C) [about 64 to 72°F] and moist for the first 2-4 weeks. After this period the sowing must be kept at a cold temperature (between -4 and +4°C) [between 25 and 39°F] for another 4-6 weeks. It is not so important if the temperature is higher or lower during the cooling period, but the cooling period has to be prolonged because the synthesis of the germination inducer, hormonlike acid, slows down or comes to a standstill. It is beneficial to cover the sowing with snow during the cooling-period. The temperature below it usually keeps in the optimum range of -4 to 0°C [25 to 32°F]. The sowing is kept moist, and the melting snow helps to destroy the shell, which is advantageous for the germinating seedling. After this cooling-period the sowing may not be immediately exposed to high temperatures. The most effective temperatures are between +5 to 12°C [41 to 54°F], even if germination has started. The best location for this sowing, even in March, April and May, is the open field, the cold frame or a cold greenhouse.

Scheduling:
Best Sowing Dates: November - March
Sowing to Germination: 8 - 10 weeks
Germination to Transplant: 4 - 6 weeks
Transplanting to Salable Plant: 6 - 8 weeks
Cutting-Back at Transplanting: Not necessary

Growing On:
Container Size(s): 1 plug per 8/9 cm (3 1/2''); 1-2 plugs per 11/12 cm (4 1/2'')
Vernalization: There is no current research on vernalization but a prudent recommendation for any perennial would be 6-12 weeks (a few might need 15 weeks!) at an average daily temperature of 40°F (5°C). Exposure to cold may not be necessary for flowering but might improve quality.
Forcing: This species is not a suitable candidate for forcing.
Fertilization: Medium (150-200 ppm)