Heterotheca (villosa)

Mark E. Majerus USDA NRCS - Bridger Plant Materials Center 99 South River Road, Rte. 2, Box 1189 Bridger, Montana 59014-9718 (406) 662-3579 (406) 662-3428 (fax) mmajerus@mt.nrcs.usda.gov http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/mtpmc

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Family Scientific Name:	Asteraceae
Family Common Name:	Aster
Scientific Name:	Heterotheca villosa
Common Name:	Hairy false goldenaster
Species Code:	HEVI4
Ecotype:	See "Other Comments:"
General Distribution:	British Columbia to California, east to Saskatchewan, Illinois, and Texas; plains, hills, and slopes.
Propagation Goal:	seeds
Propagation Method:	seed
ProductType:	Propagules (seeds, cuttings, poles, etc.)
Time To Grow:	0
Target Specifications:	Harvest yields vary due to weather and age of stand. Average annual production is 105 kg/ha (94 lb/ac).
Propagule Collection:	Wildland collection occurs early August to early September when the yellow flowers turn brown and the seed is tannish brown and hard; timing the harvest is difficult due to indeterminate ripening, and the low growth form compounds the problem. One collection hour/person will yield an average 20 grams (0.7 oz) clean seed and varies by year, stand density, and collector experience. Seed collected in the wild commonly has no fill.
Propagule Processing:	Seed Processing: Seed is spread out on a tarp in a dry, sheltered environment and turned daily for approximately 3-5 days, until no moisture or warmth is detected. Seed is threshed with a hammermill through a 4/64" round hole screen, air-screen processed on an Office Clipper over a 1-16" round hole screen with very low wind. Due to very small seed, large quantities of floral chaff, and poor seed flow, this species is moderately difficult to clean. Larger seed lots are processed most efficiently with mechanized cleaning equipment and smaller seed lots usually require more hand labor. Seeds/Kg: 1,671,000. Purity: 100%.
Pre-Planting Treatments:	Seed Treatments: None required.
Growing Area Preparation/ Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:	Propagation Environment: Seedbed is firm and free of weeds with good field moisture to 4" depth. Seed Propagation Method: Direct seeding.
Establishment Phase:	Sowing Date: Early spring. Sowing/Planting Technique: 25-30 pure live seed/ft. (0.3 m) row, irrigated 91cm (36 in) row spacing, seeded with 2-row double-disk planter with depth bands, optimum seeding depth 0.6 cm (0.25 in). Establishment Phase: Soil surface is kept moist throughout the 14 day germination and emergence period (also helpsprevent soil crusting). Fertilizer application is not recommended the first year, as it generally stimulates weed growth and competition.
Length of Establishment Phase:	2 growing seasons.
Active Growth Phase:	Rapid Growth Phase: Spring to fall; soil moisture is critical during budding stage, after anthesis, and post harvest to pre-freezeup -no irrigation is applied during flowering (pollination); fertilizer is broadcast at 100 lbs actual N/40 lbs actual P/acre in mid-September.
Length of Active Growth Phase:	2 to 3 growing seasons.
Hardening Phase:	N/A.
Harvesting, Storage and Shipping:	Harvest Date: Cultivated harvest occurred July 15 at the Bridger Plant Materials Center. Hand-harvesting is required because the seedheads are low to the ground. Seed Storage: Seed is placed in cloth or plastic seed sacks and stored in a cool, dry environment.
Length of Storage:	<b>Storage Duration:</b> 5 to 7 years.
Other Comments:	Ecotype: 1 Yellowstone National Park accession periodically collected and produced from 1986 to 1988. Grassland ecological zone is Idaho fescue/bearded wheatgrass habitat. Elevation is 2,225 m (7,300 ft).
References:	Flora of the Pacific Northwest, C. L. Hitchcock and A. Cronquist, University of Washington Press, 1973. Yellowstone Vegetation - Consequences of Environment and History in a Natural Setting, Don G. Despain, Roberts Rinehart Publishers, 1990.

Citation:

Winslow, Susan R.. 2002. Propagation protocol for production of Propagules (seeds, cuttings, poles, etc.) Heterotheca villosa seeds USDA NRCS - Bridger Plant Materials Center Bridger, Montana. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2025/04/21). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.