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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 (nebrascensis)

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
Scientific Name: Carex nebrascensis Dewey
Common Name: Nebraska sedge
Species Code: CANE2
Ecotype: Intermountain West
General Distribution: Western U.S. and Canada
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 the 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 spread out on a tarp or 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 Westrup LA-LS air screen cleaner with a 2.75 mm screen to remove stems and other inert matter. Air flow is set at 1.0 to 1.5 to remove dust and unfilled achenes The perigynium is then removed from the seed using a corrugated rubbing board or hammer mill and then re-cleaned with a 1.40 or 1.55 mm screen and light air. Larger tailings are rubbed again and recleaned and repeated as necessary. Purities of over 95% are typical. There are approximately 450,000 seeds/lb with the perigynium still intact and 800,000 seeds/lb with perigynium removed.
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 can be stratified in cold-moist conditions (4ø C in water and sphagnum moss); however stratification is not necessary if temperatures are maintained at or above 32ø C (90ø F).
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 days the 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.

Citation:

Tilley, Derek James. 2010. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Carex nebrascensis Dewey 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.