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Deschampsia (flexuosa)

Martin van der Grinten
USDA NRCS - Big Flats Plant Materials Center
RD #1, Route 352, Box 360A
Corning, New York 14830-0360
(607) 562-8404
(607) 562-8516 (fax)
martin.vandergrinten@ny.usda.gov
http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/nypmc
Family Scientific Name: Poaceae
Family Common Name: Grass
Scientific Name: Deschampsia flexuosa (L.) Trin
Common Name: Crinkled hairgrass
Species Code: DEFL
Ecotype: Mt. Desert Island, Maine
General Distribution: This plant is found from Newfoundland south to Georgia and west to Wisconsin. Adapted to dry or rocky woods, slopes and partially shaded sites.
Propagation Goal: plants
Propagation Method: seed
ProductType: Container (plug)
Time To Grow: 0
Target Specifications: Stock Type: plant plugs, 1" x 1" x 4" cell size. Height: 3 to 4 inches. Root System: Firm plug with good root system.
Propagule Collection: Collected at Acadia National Park, Maine by Martin van der Grinten in mid to late July by hand harvesting.
Propagule Processing: Seed Processing: After harvesting the seed, it is hand rubbed on a rubbing board. Then the seed is cleaned on a Clipper Midget II seed cleaner, using 7/64 round top screen and blank bottom screen, with air 15% open. This should be run through twice.
Seeds/Kg: 2,400,000 seeds per pound.
Growing Area Preparation/
Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:		 Propagation Environment: Greenhouse for seeding at 70øF and lathe house for growing and hardening off.

Seed Propagation Method: Seed is sown in Rootrainers in the greenhouse, using Metro-Mix 360 in late winter. There is germination in about 14 days.

Container Type and Volume: Rootrainers - 1" x 1" x 4" cell size.

Growing Media: Metro-Mix 360 media.
Establishment Phase: Sowing Date: Seed is sown in late winter

Sowing/Planting Technique: A few seeds are sown in each planting cell, lightly
covered with Metro-Mix 360 and firmed. Germination occurs in about 14 to 18 days. Monitor daily watering.

Establishment Phase: The plant plug will fill in the cell and it can be planted in spring/early summer.
Active Growth Phase: Rapid Growth Phase: The plugs can be planted easily in the field, using a planting dibble.
Hardening Phase: Hardening Phase: The Rootrainers are removed from the greenhouse to the lathe house prior to being transplanted in the field. Plants can be fertilized with Miracle-Gro and monitored for watering.
Harvesting, Storage and Shipping: Harvest Date: Seed is harvested in mid to late July.

Storage Conditions: Store at 40øF in a seed cooler.
References: Manual of the Grasses of the U.S., Hitchcock, USDA Publication 200, 1951.

Grass - An ID Guide, Brown, Houghton Mifflin Co., 1979.

Native Grass Seed Production Manual, Smith & Smith, Ducks Unlimited 1996.

Citation:

Van Der Grinten, Martin. 2001. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Deschampsia flexuosa (L.) Trin plants USDA NRCS - Big Flats Plant Materials Center Corning, New York. 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.