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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

Astragalus (nuttallii)

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: Fabaceae
Family Common Name: Pea Family
Scientific Name: Astragalus nuttallii (Torr. & Gray) J.T. Howell
Common Name: Nuttall's Milkvetch
Species Code: ASTNUT
Ecotype: California
General Distribution: A. nuttallii is found in dunes and bluffs along the ocean in coastal strand communities; from 10 to 300 feet elevation; from Monterey Bay south to Point Conception, California.
Propagation Goal: plants
Propagation Method: seed
ProductType: Container (plug)
Stock Type: 4 inch pot
Time To Grow: 0
Target Specifications: Height: N/A Caliper: N/A Root System: Firm plug in container.
Propagule Collection: Seeds are collected between August 1st and September 30th.
Mature legume pods are dry at maturity.
Propagule Processing: Seed Cleaning: Pods are soaked in water to extract seeds.Storage Conditions: Seeds are kept dry and stored at room temperature.
Pre-Planting Treatments: Seeds are soaked in water for 24 hours prior to sowing. Stratification has not been tried but may enhance germination.
Growing Area Preparation/
Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:
Fully Controlled Greenhouse.
Sowing Method: Transplanting Germinants.
Seeds are sown in flats containing Sunshine Mix #4 Aggregate Plus (peat moss, perlite, major and minor nutrients, gypsum, and dolomitic lime).
Seeds are covered with media.
Flats are hand watered.
Seeds are sown on July 15th.
% Germination: 20%
Establishment Phase: Seeds germinate 45 days aftersowing.
Seedlings are transplanted 45 days after germination to individual containers (4 inch pots) containing 3 parts standard potting mix of peat moss, fir bark, perlite, and sand and 1 part sand.
Transplant Survival averages 90%.
Length of Establishment Phase: 3 to 4 months
Other Comments: Astragalus germinates over a long time period; up to 4 months. Do not remove sown flats too early.
References: A California Flora and Supplement, Munz, P., University of California Press, Berkeley and London, 1973.

Citation:

Young, Betty. 2001. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Astragalus nuttallii (Torr. & Gray) J.T. Howell plants 4 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.