Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Friday - February 20, 2015
From: Terlingua, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Propagation, Seeds and Seeding
Title: Germination of seeds of Stephanomeria pauciflora (Brownplume wire lettuce)
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have discovered a very fast growing Stephanomeria pauciflora on property where I work here in Terlingua, TX. At first glance it appears as an invasive weed but on closer inspection with my macro lens, it has a most beautiful tiny bloom. I have collected quite a few of the seeds or achenes to attempt to propagate them. After several attempts at soaking, growth hormone application, humidity controlled etc I have not had any success. Do you know of any successful examples or techniques of wire lettuce propagation? Thank you.ANSWER:
Information from Wilderness Net in Appendix B. Propagation and Establishment Required for Selected Plant Species on p.317 (the publication's name that this Appendix comes from is not given) gives the germination code for Stephanomeria pauciflora (Brownplume wirelettuce) as "1". This isn't very helpful since the Key to Propagation Methods list on p.263 in first part of Appendix B defines "1" as Seeds as the propagation method. In order to know what treatment the seeds require the number needs to be followed by a letter. Since "1" doesn't have a letter associated with it, this is of no help in determining the seed treatment. Here is the list as given in the key:
1. Seed
a. Cold moist stratification: the number of days required for stratification follows (for exam[le, 1a: 60)
b. Scarification
c. Water leaching
d. Treatment with sulfuric acid
e. No treatment needed
f. Warm/cold stratification (days required for warm/cold stratification: for example, 1f: 45/140)
g. Other
"Germination is initially below 10% but increases with storage to 70% at the end of 3 years. After 3 years, viability declines rapidly."
I asked the Wildflower Center's Nursery Manager, Sean Watson, if he had experience germinating the seeds of Stephanomeria pauciflora. Here is what he said;
"I have never tried to grow this plant, but I would imagine cold moist stratification for 30-60 days may be what is needed if they have not had any luck from fresh seed."
From the Image Gallery
More Seeds and Seeding Questions
Flowering plant for gravesite in Weatherford TX
June 23, 2013 - I want to plant flowering plant of some kind at parent's grave site in Weatherford, TX. The family cemetery is on a limestone hill with no irrigation or ability to water other than nature. Would on...
view the full question and answer
Planting Muhlenbergia capillaris (Gulf muhly)
October 27, 2011 - Is it too late to plant Gulf Muhly seed in North Texas (October)?
view the full question and answer
Agarita and Mexican Buckeye not flowering or fruiting.
December 11, 2012 - The Greenbelt behind our home has a ton of agarita and Mexican buckeye, but they never bloom or berry. The pigeon berry is very happily doing both all year. Any suggestions for helping the agerita a...
view the full question and answer
Timing for mowing wildflower meadow
August 29, 2013 - Last spring (2012) we planted a wildflower/shortgrass meadow on a caliche slope surrounding the back of our house. We terraced with rocks and spread some topsoil thinly before sowing the seed. It di...
view the full question and answer
More on bluebonnets
May 12, 2005 - My bluebonnet plants have seed pods (I guess they are, they look like pods of snap peas). Can I collect these or do I just leave them alone and hope they multiply? If I can collect them, what is the ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |