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Apocynum (cannabinum)

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: Apocynaceae
Family Common Name: Dogbane family
Scientific Name: Apocynum cannabinum L.
Common Name: Indianhemp
Species Code: APCA
Ecotype: Yosemite National Park
General Distribution: Throughout North America
Propagation Goal: Plants
ProductType: Container (plug)
Stock Type: 10 cubic inch conetainer
Target Specifications: Healthy root development filling the 10 ci conetainer.
Propagule Processing: Seed can be separated from plant material by hand or using a hammermill or brush machine.
Pre-Planting Treatments: Seed is stored in cool-dry conditions with temperatures of approximately 10° C (50° F) and relative humidity of 20 to 30%.

We placed the seed into finely woven mesh bags and then placed the mesh bags into gallon freezer bags filled with wet soil mix. These were placed in a cooler at 4.5° C (40° F) for 90 days. After stratification 3 to 5 seeds were planted onto the soil surface in 10 ci conetainers filled with Sunshine Mix #4. No fertilizer was added to the soil mix.
Establishment Phase: The soil surface is kept moist with short, intermittent 2 minute mistings at 9:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 and 17:00 from overhead sprinklers for the first 30 days. Once each week the cones receive a longer duration misting of 40 to 60 minutes. Day time greenhouse temperatures range from 24 to 29° C (75 t 85° F). Night time temperatures average around 21° C (70° F). Seed was planted on March 22. Plants were fully established within 8 weeks.
Length of Establishment Phase: wks
Active Growth Phase: Our seed lot had very high viability and most cones had multiple plants in them that required thinning. After full establishment, plants are fertilized once per week with Miracle Grow All Purpose Plant Food (15-30-15). After 30 days the irrigation schedule is changed to 40 to 60 minutes every other day to encourage root growth.

The 10 ci conetainers were fully rooted within 3 months; however we maintained the plants until late August (about 5 months) when the outplanting site was ready. After about 4 months the plants showed signs of fungal infection and did not recover by the time of planting.
Hardening Phase: We backed off the water to 60 minutes every 4 or 5 days.
Length of Hardening Phase: 2 wks

Citation:

Tilley, Derek. 2018. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Apocynum cannabinum L. Plants 10 cubic inch conetainer; USDA NRCS - Aberdeen Plant Materials Center Aberdeen, Idaho. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2024/04/23). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.