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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

Achnatherum (speciosum)

Cheryl Decker
Nursery Manager
USDI NPS - Zion National Park
SR 9
Springdale, Utah 84767-1099
http://www.ggnpa.org

Family Scientific Name: Poaceae
Family Common Name: Grass Family
Scientific Name: Achnatherum speciosum (Trin. & Rupr.) Barkworth
Common Synonym: Stipa speciosa Trin. & Rupr.
Common Name: Desert needlegrass
Species Code: ACHSPE
Ecotype: Zion National Park, Utah
General Distribution: Achnatherum speciosum is found from Oregon and California south through the Great Basin States to Arizona and east to Colorado.
Propagation Goal: plants
Propagation Method: seed
ProductType: Container (plug)
Stock Type: D 40 containers
Time To Grow: 1 Years
Target Specifications: Height: N/A<br> Caliper: N/A<br> Root System: Firm root plug in container.
Propagule Collection: Seeds are hand collected from sites within the Park when fruits have fully matured.
Propagule Processing: Seeds are stored in sealed containers under refrigeration between 40 and 60 F.
Pre-Planting Treatments: Seeds are naturally stratified outdoors during fall months. Seeds are directly sown (3-5 per cell) into D40 cells containing a medium of 1.5 parts vermiculite, 1 part sterile sand, 1 part coarse turface, and 2 parts peat moss (v:v:v:v).
Cells are watered thoroughly after sowing and are not allowed to dry out completely during stratification and germination.
Growing Area Preparation/
Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:
Seedlings are grown in a shadehouse from March through October.
Establishment Phase: We sometimes incorporate 13:13:13 NPK Osmocote time release fertilizer into media.
Active Growth Phase: Seedlings are hand watered throughout the growing season after they are well established. Throughout the active growth phase, we irrigate when containers are nearly dry as a method of hardening the plants while they are being grown.

Citation:

Decker, Cheryl. 2003. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Achnatherum speciosum (Trin. & Rupr.) Barkworth plants D 40 containers; USDI NPS - Zion National Park Springdale, Utah. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2024/05/03). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.