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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 (pachystachya)

Amy Bartow
Seed and Plant Production Manager
USDA NRCS - Corvallis Plant Materials Center
3415 NE Granger Ave
Corvallis, Oregon 97330
(541) 757-4812 ext 103
(541) 757-4733 (fax)
amy.bartow@or.usda.gov
http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/orpmc

Family Scientific Name: Cyperaceae
Family Common Name: sedge family
Scientific Name: Carex pachystachya
Common Name: chamisso sedge
Species Code: CAPA14
Ecotype: high elevation and low elevation populations
General Distribution: Widespread in mesic transition zones between wet and drier habitats, in moist meadows, wet prairie, marsh edges, forest edges, and roadsides; common at low elevations but extending to high elevations. Found from Alaska to California and west to Colorado.
Propagation Goal: plants
Propagation Method: seed
ProductType: Container (plug)
Time To Grow: Weeks
Target Specifications: Well-developed crowns, roots and rhizomes filling soil profile in container.
Propagule Collection: Moderate. This species is usually found in large patches, but heads must be collected individually because they grow intermixed with other species. Carex pachystachya resembles other native sedges, but cannot be easily confused with any non-native sedges. Seeds per pound: 750,000–800,000
Propagule Processing: Seeds should be dislodged from stems by threshing or stationary combining. Air-screen machines are then used to remove chaff, debris, and empty seeds.
Pre-Planting Treatments: Seeds are usually dormant and need six or more weeks cold-moist stratification before germinating when temperatures increase in late spring. . To overcome seed dormancy, sow seeds in containers and place in a cooler (45°F or lower) for at least six weeks. Alternately, containers can be placed outside in early September through December for six weeks. After a cold period, move containers to a greenhouse set between 70 and 80°F in late December. Seeds should germinate within 2–4 weeks if they receive heat, light, and water.

Citation:

Bartow, Amy. 2015. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Carex pachystachya plants USDA NRCS - Corvallis Plant Materials Center Corvallis, Oregon. 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.