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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

Linum (lewisii)

Steve Parr
Upper Colorado Environmental Plant Center
P.O. Box 448, 5538 - RBC 4
Meeker, Colorado 81641
(970) 878-5003
(970) 878-5004 (fax)
plant@cmn.net
http://www.coloradoplantcenter.org/

Family Scientific Name: Linaceae
Family Common Name: Flax
Scientific Name: Linum lewisii
Common Name: Lewis flax
Species Code: LILE3
Ecotype: Piceance Basin Colorado
General Distribution: Alaska to California and east to Minnesota in mixed grass, sagebrush, shadescale, pinyon/juniper, mountain brush and aspen communities. It can also be found in coniferous forests and openings.
Propagation Goal: plants
Propagation Method: seed
ProductType: Propagules (seeds, cuttings, poles, etc.)
Time To Grow: Weeks
Propagule Collection: Seed was collected in late June to mid July from the Piceance Basin area. It was collected when the capsules were dry and the seed was in the hard dough stage. Capsules were clipped from the plant and hand stripped. Seed was stored in paper bags at room temperature until seed was cleaned in the winter.

286,700 seeds/lb. (USDA, NRCS, University of Manitoba. 1997)
285,000 seeds/lb. (Hassell, et al. 1996)
Propagule Processing: Seeds are cleaned by placing them in a Forsberg for approximately 20 seconds to thresh capsules. Then seeds are run through a two-screened fanning mill with varying fan speeds according to seed conditions. Top screen on the mill is a number 8, 1/14" screen on the bottom. Seeds are run several times until desired cleanness is achieved.
Pre-Planting Treatments: No treatment is necessary for this species. Prior to planting a germination test was performed on the Lewis flax from Piceance Basin, it had 72 percent germination.
Growing Area Preparation/
Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:
Seed beds were firm and weed free. In August the seed was directly seeded into the ground. Seeds then laid dormant for the winter until they germinated in the spring.
Establishment Phase: Sowing date: August Sowing/Planting Technique: 30-33 pure live seeds/ft. Seeded with a belt seeder at 0.25 inches depth.
Length of Establishment Phase: Two growing seasons
Active Growth Phase: Warm summer months
Length of Active Growth Phase: Three months
References: Haas. R, Holzworth. L, et al. 1997. Native Grass Seed Production Manual (including selected forbs). Plant Materials Program, USDA, NRCS, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Manitoba Forage Seed Association and the University of Manitoba.

Hassell, et al. 1996. Seeding Rate Statistics for Native and Introduced Species. USDI National Park Service and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Ogle, et al. 2006. Plant Guide for Blue Flax and Lewis Flax. USDA NRCS Aberdeen Plant Materials Center. Boise, ID.

USDA, NRCS. 2011. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 29 December 2010). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.

Citation:

Blanke, Terri; Woodruff, Heather. 2011. Propagation protocol for production of Propagules (seeds, cuttings, poles, etc.) Linum lewisii plants Upper Colorado Environmental Plant Center Meeker, Colorado. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2024/07/02). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.