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The Forest Service National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources (RNGR) is a leading source of technical information for nurseries and land managers regarding production and planting of trees and other native plants for reforestation, restoration, and conservation.

 
NPN Protocol Details Image

Cardamine (californica)

Betty Young
Nurseries Sr Manager
Bldg 201, Fort Mason
San Francisco, California 94123
415-331-6917
415-331-7521 (fax)
byoung@ggnpa.org

Family Scientific Name: Brassicaceae
Family Common Name: Mustard Family
Scientific Name: Cardamine californica (Nutt.) Rollins intergrifolia
Common Synonym: Dentaria californica Nutt. integrifolia
Common Name: Milkmaids
Species Code: CARCAL
Ecotype: MArin County, California
General Distribution: C. californica is found in shady banks and slopes, mostly below 2500 feet; from southwest Oregon to Lower California.
Propagation Goal: plants
Propagation Method: seed
ProductType: Container (plug)
Stock Type: 2 inch pot
Time To Grow: 0
Target Specifications: Height: N/A<br> Caliper: N/A<br> Root System: Firm plug in container.
Propagule Collection: Seeds are collected between May 4th and May 25th.
Mature fruits begin to turn yellowish-brown and become stiff; eventually fruits split from the top.
Propagule Processing: Seed Cleaning:Seed is cleaned by hand or can be rubbed over a screen to remove chaff.
Storage Conditions: Seeds are kept dry and stored in a refrigerator.
Pre-Planting Treatments: Seeds are stratified for 1 month.
Growing Area Preparation/
Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:
Fully Controlled Greenhouse.
Sowing Method: Transplanting Germinants.
1.4 grams of seeds are sown per flat containing Sunshine Mix #4 Aggregate Plus (peat moss, perlite, major and minor nutrients, gypsum, and dolomitic lime).
Seeds are mixed with media to sow and are lightly covered.
Flats are watered in with an automatic irrigation system and placed on a heated bench.
Seeds are sown on August 1st.
% Germination:75%
This species has a high rate of germination; 0.7 grams of seed yielded 106 plants.
Establishment Phase: Seeds germinate 30 days after sowing.
Seedlings are transplanted 30 days after germination to individual containers 2"x7" tubes (Deepot 16) containing standard potting mix of peat moss, fir bark, perlite, and sand.
Transplant Survival averages 80%.
Length of Establishment Phase: 2 months
Active Growth Phase: After seedlings are well established, they are moved to the shadehouse for continued growth.
References: A California Flora and Supplement, Munz, P., University of California Press, Berkeley and London, 1973.

Citation:

Young, Betty. 2007. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Cardamine californica (Nutt.) Rollins plants 2 inch pot; San Francisco, California. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2024/07/01). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.