Cyperaceae (Scirpus)

Protocol Information for:

Label_title:
Scirpus (microcarpus)

Family Names:

Family Scientific Name:
Cyperaceae

Family Common Name:
Sedge family

Scientific Names:

Genus:
Scirpus

Species:
microcarpus

Scientific Classification:

Scientific SubSpecies:

Species Authority:
J. Presl & C. Presl

Scientific SubAuthority:

Authors:

Derek Tilley

Common Synonym:

Genus:

Species:

Synonym Classification:

Synonym SubSpecies:

Species Authority:

Synonym SubAuthority:

Other Information:

Common Name:
Panicled bulrush

Species Code:
SCMI2

Ecotype:
Yosemite National Park

General Distribution:
North America with the exception of the southeast.

Known Invasiveness:

Propagation Goal:
Plants

Propagation Method:
Seed

Product Type:
Container (plug)

Stock Type:
10 cubic inch conetainer

Grow Time:
5 months

Target Specifications:
Healthy root development filling the 10 ci conetainer.

Propagation Collection:

Propagation Processing/Propagule Characteristics:
Seed can be separated from plant material by hand or using a hammermill or brush machine. Seed can be cleaned using an air-screen cleaner with 1.40 mm top screen and blank bottom screen and light air. Unmilled seed retains the perianth bristles that can cause seed to clump together, though we did not find that this affected planting or establishment.

Pre-Planting Propagule Treatments:
Seed is stored in cool-dry conditions with temperatures of approximately 10° C (50° F) and relative humidity of 20 to 30%. Flats were placed outside after planting to allow for natural over-winter stratification beginning in mid-November. Flats were brought into the greenhouse when outdoor conditions began to dry the soil in March.

Growing Area Preparation / Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:

Establishment Phase:
We used Sunshine Mix #4. No fertilizer is added to the soil mix. Five to ten seeds are placed on the soil surface and pressed for good seed-to-soil contact. Seed is lightly covered with pea gravel. The soil surface is kept moist with 20 minutes of daily irrigation from overhead sprinklers for the first 30 days. Day time greenhouse temperatures range from 24 to 29° C (75 t 85° F). Night time temperatures average around 21° C (70° F).

Length of Establishment Phase:
8 weeks

Active Growth Phase:
Our seed lot had very high viability and most cones had multiple plants in them that required thinning. After full establishment, plants are fertilized once per week with Miracle Grow All Purpose Plant Food (15-30-15). After 30 days the irrigation schedule is changed to 40 to 60 minutes every other day to encourage root growth.

Length of Active Growth Phase:
4 months

Hardening Phase:
We backed off the water to 60 minutes every 4 or 5 days.

Length of Hardening Phase:
1 week

Harvesting, Storage and Shipping:
Plants were deeply watered just prior to shipping. Plants were shipped in a 10° C (50° F) refrigerated truck for 2 days.

Length of Storage:

Guidelines for Outplanting / Performance on Typical Sites:

Other Comments:

References:

Citation:
Tilley, Derek. 2016. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Scirpus microcarpus J. Presl & C. Presl Plants 10 cubic inch conetainer; USDA NRCS - Aberdeen Plant Materials Center Aberdeen, Idaho. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2025/05/04). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.

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