RNGR.net is sponsored by the USDA Forest Service and Southern Regional Extension Forestry and is a colloborative effort between these two agencies.

U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA Forest Service Southern Regional Extension Forestry Southern Regional Extension Forestry

Skip to content. | Skip to navigation

Home Native Plant Network
 
NPN Protocol Details Image

Calamagrostis (canadensis)

Derek Tilley
PMC Manager
USDA NRCS - Aberdeen Plant Materials Center
PO Box 296
Aberdeen, Idaho 83210
208-397-4133 x 104
derek.tilley@id.usda.gov
http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/idpmc

Family Scientific Name: Poaceae
Family Common Name: Grass
Scientific Name: Calamagrostis canadensis (Michx.) P. Beauv.
Common Name: Bluejoint
Species Code: CACA4
Ecotype: Rocky Mountains, western Wyoming
General Distribution: Throughout North America with the exception of the southeastern states.
Propagation Goal: plants
Propagation Method: seed
ProductType: Container (plug)
Stock Type: 10 cubic inch container
Time To Grow: 3 Months
Target Specifications: Healthy root development filling the 10 cubic inch container.
Propagule 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.
Propagule Processing: 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 3.8 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 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.
Establishment Phase: Soil is a 1:1:1 mix of coconut fiber, compost and perlite. No fertilizer is added to the soil mix. Five to 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.
References: Tilley DT, Ogle DG, Cornforth BC. 2010. Quick methods to estimate seed quality. Boise (ID): USDA Natural ResourcesConservation Service. Plant Materials Technical Note 35. 13p.

Citation:

Tilley, Derek James. 2010. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Calamagrostis canadensis (Michx.) P. Beauv. plants 10 cubic inch container; USDA NRCS - Aberdeen Plant Materials Center Aberdeen, Idaho. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2024/07/22). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.