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
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

Wednesday - July 29, 2009
From: Rusk, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Propagation
Title: Propagation of Prunus Mexicana in Rusk TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
How do you scarify seeds from the Prunus Mexicana? Can the branches be made to grow roots?ANSWER:
Prunus mexicana (Mexican plum) is native to Texas and to the area around Cherokee County, so it should do well in your garden.
Here are the Propagation Instructions for Prunus mexicana (Mexican plum) from our Native Plant Database:
"Propagation Material: Softwood Cuttings
Description: Prunus species may be rooted from dormant hardwood, softwood, semi-hardwood, or root cuttings. Semi-hardwood and softwood cuttings taken in summer root easiest. Seeds of P. mexicana require a period of after-ripening followed by cold stratification.
Seed Collection: Collect fruit when it is filled out, firm, and its ripe color. Clean seeds from pulp. Storage viability is maintained at 31-41 degrees. Loses viability rapidly if allowed to dry out after collection and cleaning.
Seed Treatment: For spring sowing, stratify seeds in moist sand for 30-60 days in a greenhouse, then cold stratify (36-41 degrees) for 60-90 days. Plant well before high temperatures."
Sounds like you will be better off with the stratification method, rather than scarifying. Here is information from Suite 101 on How to Cold Stratify Seeds.
You cannot grow a new tree from a branch, but rather from cuttings of wood in various stages, as seen above in the Propagation instructions. For information on rooting cuttings, go to this North Carolina State University Extension website Plant Propagation by Stem Cuttings: Instructions for the Home Gardener.
See this USDA Plant Profile on Prunus mexicana (Mexican plum) for pictures of the seeds.
\
From the Image Gallery
More Propagation Questions
Germination period for Snow Mountain beardtongue (Penstemon purpusii)
March 12, 2008 - Why is the germination period for the Snowmountain Beardtongue so long?. I understand it to be approximately 690 days.
view the full question and answer
Propagating sundrop plants in Dallas
May 18, 2009 - How do I propagate sundrop plants?
view the full question and answer
Can lantana be grown in British Columbia from Vernon BC
October 20, 2012 - Can I grow lantana in Vernon B.C. Canada?
view the full question and answer
Can bluebonnet pods be gathered when green in Lockhart, TX
May 02, 2015 - Can bluebonnet seed pods be gathered when green? Will the seed be capable of germinating next season?
view the full question and answer
What do wildflower seeds look like from Westlake Village CA
February 23, 2014 - I collect seeds from my wild flower garden but can't always tell what part of the dried flower is the actual seed that will reproduce. Is there a resource that shows the seed part of flowers? Than...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |