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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

Stipa (comata)

Lindsay Springer
Lead Biological Science Technician - Greenhouse Manager
USDI NPS - Rocky Mountain National Park
1000 Highway 36
Estes Park, Colorado 80517-8397
(970) 586-1252
(970) 589-1392 (fax)
Lindsay_Springer@nps.gov
http://www.ggnpa.org
Family Scientific Name: Poaceae
Scientific Name: Stipa comata
Common Name: Needle and Thread Grass
Species Code: STCO4
Ecotype: Colorado, McGraw Ranch (98-155s, 98-187s), Moraine Park (98-156s, 98-221s)
Propagation Goal: seeds
Propagation Method: seed
ProductType: Propagules (seeds, cuttings, poles, etc.)
Time To Grow: 0
Propagule Collection: Seed cleaning technique: Awn removed. Appears that outer seed covering needs to be removed for full germination.

McGraw Ranch (98-155s) collected on 7/28/98; McGraw Ranch (98-187s) collected on 8/7/98; Moraine Park (98-156s, 98-221s) collected on 7/23/98.
Propagule Processing: Germination: McGraw Ranch (98-155s) low percentage; McGraw Ranch (98-187s) medium percentage; Moraine Park (98-156s) low percentage; Moraine Park (98-221s) medium percentage.
Growing Area Preparation/
Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:		 Propagation Environment: Greenhouse, 65-70§F day/55§F night. Propagated under tent on heat pad (set to 70§F) with misters set 8 am-8 pm, with 10 sec/15 min watering intervals. One week after germination, seedlings were moved to mister area without tent.

Germination media: Fafard Germinating Mix (superfine).

Growing media: Fafard Growing Mix 2.
Establishment Phase: Sowing/planting technique: Manually sowed in 4x8. Lightly covered.

Time to germination: 7-10 days.

Establishment Phase: Rapid, but uneven germination rate.

Time to potting: 1 month.

McGraw Ranch (98-155s) sowed 12/17/98; McGraw Ranch (98-187s) sowed 1/4/99; Moraine Park (98-156s) sowed 12/17/98; Moraine Park (98-221s) sowed 1/22/99.
Harvesting, Storage and Shipping: Seed storage condition: Seed stored in the greenhouse.
Other Comments: Comments: It appears that outer seed covering needs to be removed for full germination. Without removal, germination percentages are very low, with removal they are at least 50%.

Citation:

Butler, Jennifer; Frieswyk, Christin. 2001. Propagation protocol for production of Propagules (seeds, cuttings, poles, etc.) Stipa comata seeds USDI NPS - Rocky Mountain National Park Estes Park, Colorado. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2025/02/23). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.