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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

Carex (hoodii)

Derek Tilley
PMC Manager
USDA NRCS - Aberdeen Plant Materials Center
PO Box 296
Aberdeen, Idaho 83210
208-397-4133 x 104
derek.tilley@id.usda.gov
http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/idpmc
Family Scientific Name: Cyperaceae
Family Common Name: Sedge family
Scientific Name: Carex hoodii Boott
Common Name: Hood’s sedge
Species Code: CAHO5
Ecotype: Yosemite National Park
General Distribution: Western North America from the Rocky Mountain states west.
Propagation Goal: Plants
Propagation Method: Seed
ProductType: Container (plug)
Stock Type: 10 cubic inch conetainer
Time To Grow: 4 months
Target Specifications: Healthy root development filling the 10 ci conetainer.
Propagule Processing: Seed can be separated from plant material by hand or using a hammermill or brush machine. We remove the perigynium with vigorous rubbing followed by cleaning with an air-screen cleaner and light air.

Seed is stored in cool-dry conditions with temperatures of approximately 10° C (50° F) and relative humidity of 20 to 30%.
Pre-Planting Treatments: We placed the seed into finely woven mesh bags and then placed the mesh bags into gallon freezer bags filled with wet soil mix. These were placed in a cooler at 4.5° C (40° F) for 90 days. After stratification the 5 to 15 seeds were planted onto the soil surface in 10 ci conetainers filled with Sunshine Mix #4. No fertilizer was added to the soil mix.
Establishment Phase: The soil surface is kept moist with short, intermittent 2 minute mistings at 9:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 and 17:00 from overhead sprinklers for the first 30 days. Once each week the cones receive a longer duration misting of 40 to 60 minutes. Day time greenhouse temperatures range from 24 to 29° C (75 t 85° F). Night time temperatures average around 21° C (70° F).
Seed was planted on March 22. Plants were fully established within 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. We had to trim our plants with an electric hedge trimmer periodically as they grew and began to affect the sprinkler distribution.
The 10 ci conetainers were fully rooted within 4 months; however we maintained the plants until late August (about 5 months) when the outplanting site was ready.
Hardening Phase: We backed off the water to 60 minutes every 4 or 5 days.
Length of Hardening Phase: 2 wks
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.

Citation:

2018. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Carex hoodii Boott Plants 10 cubic inch conetainer; USDA NRCS - Aberdeen Plant Materials Center Aberdeen, Idaho. 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.