Poaceae (Deschampsia)

Protocol Information for:

Label_title:
Deschampsia (cespitosa)

Family Names:

Family Scientific Name:
Poaceae

Family Common Name:
Grass

Scientific Names:

Genus:
Deschampsia

Species:
cespitosa

Scientific Classification:

Scientific SubSpecies:

Species Authority:
(L.) P. Beauv.

Scientific SubAuthority:

Authors:

Derek James Tilley

Common Synonym:

Genus:
Deschampsia

Species:
caespitosa

Synonym Classification:

Synonym SubSpecies:

Species Authority:
(L.) P. Beauv.

Synonym SubAuthority:

Other Information:

Common Name:
Tufted hairgrass

Species Code:
DECE

Ecotype:
Rocky Mountains, western Wyoming

General Distribution:
throughought northern North America except southeastern states.

Known Invasiveness:

Propagation Goal:
plants

Propagation Method:
seed

Product Type:
Container (plug)

Stock Type:
10 cubic inch conetainer

Grow Time:
3 Months

Target Specifications:
Healthy root development filling the 10 ci conetainer.

Propagation Collection:
Seed is most commonly collected by hand. Fruiting heads can be cut from stems using shears or a hand scythe. Seed is hard and brown when ripe.

Propagation Processing/Propagule Characteristics:
Seed is air dried in paper sacks for several weeks prior to processing. Seed is removed from stem using a hammer mill with a 0.6 cm (0.25 in) screen. Seed is cleaned using an airscreen cleaner with a 1.55 mm screen and light air. Purities of over 95% are typical. There are approximately 1.2 million seeds/lb. Viability depends on seed fill. A kerosene heater "pop test" is used for quick estimates of seed fill (Tilley et al 2010). Lots with poor viability are re-cleaned with increased air.

Pre-Planting Propagule Treatments:
Seed is stored in cool-dry conditions with temperatures of approximately 10ø C (50ø F) and relative humidity of 20 to 30%. Seed is not stratified prior to planting.

Growing Area Preparation / Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:

Establishment Phase:
Soil is a 1:1:1 mix of coconut fiber, compost and perlite. No fertilizer is added to the soil mix. Fiveto 25 seeds are placed on the soil surface and pressed for good seed-to-soil contact. Seed is not covered with any soil or sand, but kept moist with an overhead mist irrigation schedule of 2 minutes/hr from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm for the first 30 days. Day time greenhouse temperatures range from 32 to 43ø C (90 to 110ø F). Night time temperatures average around 30ø C (85ø F). Grow lights are kept on during nighttime hours.

Length of Establishment Phase:
First emergence occurs around 3 to 5 days after planting under temperatures and moisture conditions specified. Full stands (90-100%) are reached in 12 days.

Active Growth Phase:
After full establishment, plants are fertilized once per week with Miracle Grow All Purpose Plant Food (15-30-15). After 30 days the irrigation amount is increased to 3 minutes/hr from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and grow lights are turned off. Greenhouse day time temperatures are reduced to 30 to 32øC (85 to 90ø F).

Length of Active Growth Phase:
Three months.

Hardening Phase:
Heat is turned off and temperatures reduced to ambient conditions. Watering is discontinued approximately 3 days prior to delivery.

Length of Hardening Phase:

Harvesting, Storage and Shipping:

Length of Storage:

Guidelines for Outplanting / Performance on Typical Sites:

Other Comments:

References:
Tilley DT, Ogle DG, Cornforth BC. 2010. Quick methods to estimate seed quality. Boise (ID): USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Plant Materials Technical Note 35. 13p.

Citation:
Tilley, Derek James. 2010. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Deschampsia cespitosa (L.) P. Beauv. plants 10 cubic inch conetainer; USDA NRCS - Aberdeen Plant Materials Center Aberdeen, Idaho. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2025/04/01). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.

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