Optimization of Seed Propagation of Seven Native Plant Species

Abstract

Seven plants native to the moist habitats of the pine savannas, woodlands, and Hillside Bog natural area at the Crosby Arboretum, Picayune, MS, were evaluated under laboratory and nursery conditions to determine seed germination percentage, optimal germination temperature, and the effect of substrates on germination. These native plants include: titi (Cyrilla racemiflora L.), buckwheat tree (Cliftonia monophylla Britt.), flameflower (Macranthera flammea (Bartr.) Pennell), deertongue (Carphephorus odoratissimus (Gmel.) Herb. var. odoratissimus), pink coreopsis (Coreopsis nudata Nutt.), tall ironweed (Vernonia angustifolia Michx.), and swamp bay (Persea palustris (Raf.) Sarg.). Laboratory experimentation concluded with germination and determination of optimal temperature regimes. Tall ironweed had the highest rate of success in the nursery. Black Kow compost had suboptimal performance compared to Sunshine Mix 1 and pine bark / sand under nursery conditions. Several of the species tested had minimal germination and require further research to optimize germination and nursery growth.