Carex (aquatilis)
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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 |
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| Family Scientific Name: | Cyperaceae | ||
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| Family Common Name: | Sedge | ||
| Scientific Name: | Carex aquatilis Wahlenb. | ||
| Common Name: | Water sedge | ||
| Species Code: | CAAQ | ||
| Ecotype: | Rocky Mountains, western Wyoming | ||
| General Distribution: | Throughout North America with the exception of the southeastern states. | ||
| Propagation Goal: | plants | ||
| Propagation Method: | seed | ||
| ProductType: | Container (plug) | ||
| Stock Type: | 10 cubic inch conetainer | ||
| Time To Grow: | 3 Months | ||
| Target Specifications: | Healthy root development filling a 10 ci conetainer. | ||
| Propagule Collection: | Seed is most commonly collected by hand. Fruiting heads can be cut from stems using shears or a hand scythe. Seed is hard and brown when ripe. | ||
| Propagule Processing: | Seed is air dried in paper sacks for several weeks prior to processing. Seed is removed from stem using a hammer mill with a 0.6 cm (0.25 in) screen. Seed is then pre cleaned using a small-lot air screen cleaner with a 1.80 mm screen to remove stems and other inert matter. The perigynium is then removed from the seed using a corrugated rubbing board or hammer mill and then re-cleaned with a 1.55 mm screen and light air. Purities of over 95% are typical. There are approximately 450,000 seeds/lb with perigynium still intact, and 900,000 seeds/lb with perigynium removed. Viability depends on seed fill. A kerosene heater "pop test" is used for quick estimates of seed fill (Tilley et al 2010). Lots with poor viability are re-cleaned with increased air. | ||
| Pre-Planting Treatments: | Seed is stored in cool-dry conditions with temperatures of approximately 10ø C (50ø F) and relative humidity of 20 to 30%. Seed is not stratified prior to planting. | ||
| Establishment Phase: | Soil is a 1:1:1 mix of coconut fiber, compost and perlite. No fertilizer is added to the soil mix. Five to 25 seeds are placed on the soil surface and pressed for good seed-to-soil contact. Seed is not covered with any soil or sand, but kept moist with an overhead mist irrigation schedule of 2 minutes/hr from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm for the first 30 days. Day time greenhouse temperatures range from 32 to 43ø C (90 to 110ø F). Night time temperatures average around 30ø C (85ø F). Grow lights are kept on during nighttime hours. | ||
| Length of Establishment Phase: | First emergence occurs around 5 to 7 days after planting under temperatures and moisture conditions specified. Full stands (90-100%) are reached in 12 days. | ||
| Active Growth Phase: | After full establishment, plants are fertilized once per week with Miracle Grow All Purpose Plant Food (15-30-15). After 30 daysthe irrigation amount is increased to 3 minutes/hr from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and grow lights are turned off. Greenhouse day time temperatures are reduced to 30 to 32øC (85 to 90ø F). | ||
| Length of Active Growth Phase: | 3 months | ||
| Hardening Phase: | Heat is turned off and temperatures reduced to ambient conditions. Watering is discontinued approximately 3 days prior to delivery. | ||
| References: | Tilley DT, Ogle DG, Cornforth BC. 2010. Quick methods to estimate seed quality. Boise (ID): USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Plant Materials Technical Note 35. 13p. | ||
Citation:
Tilley, Derek James. 2010. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Carex aquatilis Wahlenb. plants 10 cubic inch conetainer; USDA NRCS - Aberdeen Plant Materials Center Aberdeen, Idaho. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2025/04/24). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.
