Seed propagating Ohio native plants

SEED PROPOGATION CHART FOR NATIVE OHIO PLANTS

Common name Botanical name: Genus species

Plant life

Wildlife associations

Collection & germination method Seed life

American Water Lotus Nelumbo lutea P Fall sow, or Scarify & warm water soak

Alder, Smooth Alnus serrulata T Brds Sow fresh, or cold-moist stratify 6 months

Alder, Speckled Alnus incana T Brds Sow fresh, or cold-moist stratify 6 months

Alumroot, American Heuchera americana P Pods 3-4 weeks after flower, surface sow

Anemone, Canada Anemone canadensis P Sow fresh, or cold-moist stratify 3 months

Anemone, Thimbleweed Anemone virginiana P Fall or spring sow

Anemone, Wood Anemone quinquefolia P Sow fresh, blooms in 3-4 years

Appendaged Waterleaf Hydrophyllum appendiculatum A Bs Warm, and cold stratify, geminate at 41°F

Arrowhead, Broadleaf Sagittaria latifolia P Brds Sow fresh, seeds take 2 yrs. to germinate

Arrowhead, Longbeaked Sagittaria australis P Sow fresh, seeds take 2 yrs. to germinate

Ash, Black Fraxinus nigra T Brds Sow fresh, or cold-moist sand stratify 2 months

Ash, Blue Fraxinus quadrangulata T Sow fresh, or cold-moist sand stratify 2 months

Ash, Green Fraxinus pennsylvanica T Bfly-h, brds Warm-moist 3 month & cold-moist 4 months 7yrs

Ash, Pumpkin Fraxinus profunda T Warm-moist 3 month & cold-moist 4 months

Ash, White Fraxinus americana T Bfly-h Sow fresh, or cold-moist sand stratify 2 months

Aspen, Large Toothed Populus grandidentata T Bfly-h Sow fresh seed on moist growing media

Aspen, Quaking Populus tremuloides T Bfly-h, brds Sow fresh seed on moist growing media

Aster, Arrow Leaved Symphyotrichum urophyllum P Insects Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 3-4 months

Aster, Broad Leaved Symphyotrichum cordifolium P Insects Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 3-4 months

Aster, Flat Topped Doellingeria umbellata P Insects Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 3-4 months

Aster, New England Symphyotrichum novae-angliae P Bfly-h, bs Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 3-4 months

Aster, Purple Stemmed Symphyotrichum puniceum P Bs Fall sow, or cold moist stratify 3-4 months

Aster, Sky Blue Symphyotrichum oolentangiense P Bfly, bs Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 3-4 months

Aster, Smooth Symphyotrichum laeve P Bs Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 3-4 months

Aster, White Heath Symphyotrichum ericoides P Bs Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 3-4 months

Aster, White Wood Eurybia divaricata P Bfly Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 3-4 months

Basswood, American Tilia americana T Bs, brds Scarify and cold-moist stratify 3 months 2yrs

Beak Grass Diarrhena americana P Cold stratify, germinates in light at 60°F

Beardtongue, Hairy Penstemon hirsutus P Bfly-h,brds,bs Cold stratify, germinates at 60°F

Beardtongue, Smooth Penstemon digitalis P Brds, bs Cold-moist stratify, light benefits germination

Beech, American Fagus grandifolia T Bfly-h, brds Sow fresh, or cold stratify 3 months

Bellwort, Large Flowered Uvularia grandiflora P Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 3-6 months 2yrs

Bellwort, Perfoliate Uvularia perfoliata P Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 3-6 months

Bellwort, Sessile Leaved Uvularia sessilifolia P Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 3-6 months

Bergamot, Wild Monarda fistulosa P Brds,bfly,bs Collect 2 months after bloom, fall or spring sow

Birch, Sweet Betula lenta T Brds, bfly Seed shatters, cold stratify, benefits from light

Birch, Yellow Betula alleghaniensis T Brds Sow fresh, or cold stratify, benefits from light

Bitternut Carya cordiformis T Bfly-h, brds Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 5 months

Bittersweet, American Celastrus scandens V Brds Collect capsules, fall sow, cold stratify 4 months

Black Eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta P Bfly-h, brds fall sow, or cold stratify 3 months

Black Gum Nyssa sylvatica T Brds, bs Sow fresh, or cold stratify 2 months

Bladdernut Staphylea trifolia T Stratify warm 3 months and cold 3 months

Blazing Star, Dense Liatris spicata P Bfly,brds,bs harvest stalk, scarify seed, cold stratify 3 months

Blazing Star, Rough Liatris aspera P Bfly,brds,bs harvest stalk, scarify seed, cold stratify 3 months

Blazing Star, Scaly Liatris squarrosa P Bs harvest stalk, scarify seed, cold stratify 3 months

Bloodroot Sanguinaria canadensis P Seeds ripen 4 weeks after bloom, sow fresh

Blue Grass, Forest Poa sylvestris P Fall sow, or cold stratify

Blue Stem, Big Andropogon gerardii P Bfly-h, bs Fall sow, or cold stratify 3 months 3yrs

Blue Stem, Little Schizachyrium scoparium P Bfly-h, bs Fall sow, or cold stratify 3 months 3yrs

Bluebells Mertensia virginica P Sow immediately, or cold-moist stratify 6 weeks

Blueberry, High Bush Vaccinium corymbosom P Fall sow, or cold stratify 3 months

Blueberry, Low Bush Vaccinium angustifolium P Bs, brds Cold stratify 3 months

Bluejoint Grass Calamagrostis canadensis P Fall or spring sow 2yrs

Bluet, Azure Houstonia caerulea P Sow shallow in Fall, or stratify and Spring sow


Plant life



Bluet, Longleaf Summer Houstonia longifolia P Sow shallow in Fall, or stratify and Spring sow

Boneset, Common Eupatorium perfoliatum P Bs, bfly, brds Low germination, fall sow, or use indoor lights

Boneset, Tall Eupatorium altissimum P Bs, bfly, brds Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 1 month

Bottle Brush Grass Elymus hystrix P Bfly-h Cold stratify 2-3 weeks, avoid summer heat

Brome Grass, Fringed Bromus cilliatus P Germinates at 70°F

Brome Grass, Woodland Bromus pubescens P Fall sow, 2-3months cold stratify

Brown Eyed Susan Rudbeckia triloba P Brds Collect 3-4 weeks after bloom, fall or spring sow

Buckeye, Ohio Aesculus glabra T Brds Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 4 months, poison

Buckeye, Yellow Aesculus flava T Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 4 months, poison

Buckthorn, Alderleaf Rhamnus alnifolia S Bfly-h, brds Collect black fruits, cold-moist stratify 5 months 6yrs

Buckthorn, Lanceleaf Rhamnus lanceolata S Insects Collect black fruits, cold-moist stratify 5 months

Bugbane, Black Actaea racemosa P Cold-moist 5 months 3yrs

Bulrush, Cottongrass Scirpus cyperinus P Bfly-h, brds Sow fresh, or cold-moist stratify 1 month 3yrs

Bulrush, Green Scirpus atrovirens P Brds Sow fresh, or cold-moist stratify 3-5 months

Bulrush, Hardstem Schoenoplectus acutus P Cold-moist stratify 6 months, light, germ at 86°F

Bulrush, Leafy Scirpus polyphyllus P Cold-moist stratify 6 months

Bulrush, River Schoenoplectus fluviatilis P Cold-moist stratify 6 months, light, germ at 86°F

Bulrush, Softstem Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani P Brds, fsh Cold-moist stratify 6 months, light, germ at 86°F

Bulrush, Threesquare Schoenoplectus pungens P Cold-moist stratify 6 months, light, germ at 86°F

Bur Reed, American Sparganium americanum P Sow immediately, keep moist

Bur Reed, Giant Sparganium eurycarpum P Sow fresh, increase water before transplant

Butternut Juglans cinerea T Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 3-4 months

Button Bush Cephalanthus occidentalis S Bfly, brds, bs Fall sow, or cold moist stratify

Campion, Starry Silene stellata P Bfly Collect 3 weeks after bloom, 4 weeks cold-moist

Cardinal Flower Lobelia cardinalis P Brds, bfly Collect capsules, fall sow, or 3 month cold-moist

Carolina Sweetshrub Calycanthus floridus S Fall or spring sow 3yrs

Cattail, Broadleaf Typha latifolia P Brds, fsh Fall sow, or use heat 100°F- germ in a few weeks

Cedar, Eastern Red Juniperus virginiana T Bfly-h, brds Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 4 months

Cherry, Black Prunus serotina T Bfly-h,bs,brds Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 3 months

Cherry, Choke Prunus virginiana S Bfly-h,brds,bs Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify in sand 3 months

Cherry, Pin Prunus pensylvanica T Bfly-h,brds,bs Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 3-4 months

Chokeberry, Black Aronia melanocarpa S Brds Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 3 months

Clover, Hairy Bush Lespedeza hirta P Bfly-h Scarify seeds, direct sow

Clover, Violet Bush Lespedeza violacea P Sow fresh, or cold stratify 3 months, light

Cohosh, Blue Caulophyllum thalictroides P Scarify, cold-warm-cold 5 months, germ at 41°F

Columbine, Eastern red Aquilegia canadensis P Bfly-h, brds Sow fresh, or cold-moist 1 month

Coneflower, Cutleaf Rudbeckia laciniata P Brds, bs Sow fresh, or cold-moist 1 month

Coneflower, Grey Headed Ratibida pinnata P Bs, Bfly, brds Fall sow, or cold-moist 3-4 months 3yrs

Coneflower, Purple Echinacea purpurea P Bfly, brds Fall sow, or cold-moist 2 months 3yrs

Coreopsis, Forest Coreopsis major P Bfly Fall or spring sow

Coreopsis, Tall Coreopsis tripteris P Bs, brds, bfly Fall or spring sow

Cordgrass, Prairie Spartina pectinata P Brds Sow fresh, or cold-moist stratify 2 months 3yrs

Cottonwood, Eastern Populus deltoides T Bfly-h, brds Collect semi-opened catkins, sow & keep moist 2yrs

Cottonwood, Swamp Populus heterophylla T Brds Collect semi-opened catkins, sow & keep moist 2yrs

Cress, Purple Spring Cardamine douglassii P Warm 2 months & cold 2 months, germ at 41°F

Culver’s Root Veronicastrum virginicum P Bs, bfly Fall sow, or cold-moist 3 months 2yrs

Cup Plant Silphium perfoliatum P Bs, bfly, brds Fall sow, or cold-moist 3 months

Dandelion, Two-flower Dwarf Krigia biflora P Bs Fall or spring sow, or prefers light altering temps

Dock, Prairie Silphium terebinthinaceum P Bs, brds Fall sow, or cold-moist 1 month 2yrs

Dogbane, Spreading Apocynum androsaemifolium P Bs, bfly Fall sow, or cold-moist 1 month 3yrs

Dogwood, Alternate leaved Cornus alternifolia S Bfly-h, brds Fall sow, or cold-moist 3 months 3yrs

Dogwood, Flowering Cornus florida T Bfly-h, brds Sow fresh, or cold-moist 2 months

Dogwood, Roughleaf Cornus drummondii S Bfly, bs, brds Warm-moist 3 months & cold moist 3 months

Dogwood, Silky Cornus amomum S Brds Fall sow, or cold-moist 2-3 months

Dotted Horsemint Monarda punctata P Bfly, bs Fall sow, or cold-moist 2-3 month 2yrs

Dutchman’s Breeches Dicentra cucullaria P Bs Sow immediately, 2-3 months cold, poisonous


Plant life



Elderberry, Common Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis S Brds Warm stratify 3 months & cold stratify 3 months

Elm, American Ulmus americana T Bfly-h, brds Fall or spring sow

False Mermaid Weed Floerkea proserpinacoides A Warm 2 months & cold 3 months, germ at 41°F

Fire pink Silene virginica P Brds, bfly Collect 3 weeks after bloom, 4 weeks cold-moist

Gentian, Closed Bottle Gentiana andrewsii P Bs Cold stratify 3 months, surface sow, needs light 3yrs

Geranium, Wild Geranium maculatum P Bs, brds Collect darkened pods, fall or spring sow

Ginger, Wild Asarum canadense P Bfly-h Sow fresh, slow to grow from seed <1yr

Ragwort, Golden Packera aurea P Bs Cold-moist 2 months

Golden Ragwort, Round Leaved Packera obovata P Bs, bfly Sow fresh seed

Goldenrod, Blue Stemmed Solidago caesia P Bfly, bs, brds Cold-moist or cold-dry stratify 2-3month

Goldenrod, Elm Leaved Solidago ulmifolia P Bfly, bs Cold-moist or cold-dry stratify 2-3month

Goldenrod, Erect Solidago erecta P Bs Cold-moist or cold-dry stratify 2-3month 3yrs

Goldenrod, Grass Leaved Euthamia graminifolia P Bs Cold-moist or cold-dry stratify 2-3month 3yrs

Goldenrod, Hairy Solidago hispida P Bs Cold-moist or cold-dry stratify 2-3month

Goldenrod, Ridell’s Oligoneuron riddellii P Bs Cold-moist or cold-dry stratify 2-3month 3yrs

Goldenrod, Roundleaf Solidago patula P Bs Cold-moist or cold-dry stratify 2-3month

Goldenrod, Showy Solidago speciosa P Bfly, bs, brds Cold-moist or cold-dry stratify 2-3month 3yrs

Goldenrod, Stiff Oligoneuron rigidum P Bs Cold-moist or cold-dry stratify 2-3month

Goldenrod, White Solidago bicolor P Bs Cold-moist or cold-dry stratify 2-3month

Goldenrod, Zig Zag Solidago flexicaulis P Bfly, bs, brds Cold-moist or cold-dry stratify 2-3month

Greek Valerian Polemonium reptans P Bs Sow immediately, or warm stratify 2-3 months

Hackberry Celtis occidentalis T Bfly-h, brds Cold stratify 2-3 months

Hazelnut, American Corylus americana S Brds Fall sow, or cold stratify 2-6 months

Hemlock, Eastern Tsuga canadensis T Bfly-h, brds Cold stratify 2-4 month 4yrs

Hickory, Pignut Carya glabra T Bfly-h, brds Cold stratify 2-4 month

Hickory, Shellbark Carya laciniosa T Cold stratify 2-5 months

Hickory, Sweet Pignut Carya ovalis T Cold stratify 3 months

Hickory, Shagbark Carya ovata T Cold-moist stratify 3-4 months

Hickory, Mockernut Carya tomentosa T Cold stratify 3-5 months

Horsebalm Collinsonia canadensis P Cold stratify 3 months

Hornbeam, Hop Ostrya virginiana T Brds Sow immediately, or cold stratify 4-5 months

Indian Cucumber Root Medeola virginiana P Brds Fall sow, or clean seeds, cold-moist 4 month

Indian Grass Sorghastrum nutans P Bfly-h,bs,brds Fall sow, or cold stratify 3 months

Indigo, Blue Wild Baptisia australis P Bs Fall sow, or scarify and cold-moist stratify

Indigo, Yellow False Baptisia tinctoria P Bfly-h, bs Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 3-4 months

Indigo, White False Baptisia alba P Bs Fall sow, or scarify and cold-moist stratify

Iris, Dwarf Crested Iris cristata P Brds, bs Sow immediately in acid soil, blooms in 3 years

Iris, Blue Flag Iris versicolor P Brds Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 3-4 months

Iris, Southern Blue Flag Iris virginica var. shrevei P Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 3-4 months

Ironweed, Tall Vernonia gigantea P Bs Cold-moist stratify 1 month

Jerusalem Artichoke Helianthus tuberosus P Bs, brds Fall or spring sow

Jewelweed, Orange Impatiens capensis A Bfly, bs, brds Cold-moist 2 months

Jewelweed, Yellow Impatiens pallida A Bs Cold-moist 2 months

Joe Pye Weed Eutrochium fistulosum P Bfly, bs, brds Fall sow, 3 month cold-moist, low % viable seed

Joe Pye Weed, Purple Eutrochium purpureum P Bfly, bs, brds Fall sow, 3 month cold-moist, low % viable seed

Joe Pye Weed, Spotted Eutrochium maculatum P Bfly, bs, brds Fall sow, 3 month cold-moist, low % viable seed

June Grass Koeleria macrantha P Bs, brds Fall sow, needs light

Larkspur, Dwarf Delphinium tricorne P Insects Pods shatter, 2 month cold stratify, needs light

Leafcup, Yellow Flowered Smallanthus uvedalius P Fall sow, or 3 month cold-moist stratify

Leafcup, White Flower Polymnia canadensis P Fall sow, or 3 month cold-moist stratify

Lily, Michigan Lilium michiganense P Warm stratify 3 months & cold stratify 3 months 3yrs

Lobelia, Great Blue Lobelia siphilitica P Bs, brds Cold-moist stratify 3 months

Lobelia, Palespike Lobelia spicata P Brds Cold-moist stratify 3 months

Loosestrife, Fringed Lysimachia ciliata P Sow fresh, surface sow- seeds need light

Loosestrife, Whorled Lysimachia quadrifolia P Bs Surface sow- seeds need light

Magnolia, Cucumber Magnolia acuminate T Brds Cold stratify 3-5 months


Plant life



Magnolia, Umbrella Magnolia tripetala T Cold stratify 2 months

Mandarin, Yellow Prosartes lanuginosa P Fall sow

Mannagrass, Floating Glyceria septentrionalis P Fall sow, or cold stratify 5 months

Mannagrass, Fowl Glyceria striata P Fall sow, or cold stratify 5 months

Mannagrass, Melic Glyceria melicaria P Fall sow, or cold stratify 5 months

Mannagrass, Rattlesnake Glyceria canadensis P Fall sow, or cold stratify 5 months

Maple, Red Acer rubrum T Bfly-h,bs,brds Collect from tree, cold-moist stratify 3 months

Marsh Marigold, Yellow Caltha palustris P Brds Sow immediately, blooms in 3yrs.

May Apple Podophyllum peltatum P Sow immediately, or 3 months cold-moist

Mayflower, Canada Maianthemum canadense P Brds Collect summer fruits, clean seeds, sow outside

Meadow Sweet Spiraea alba S Bfly-h,bs,brds Sow fresh, or cold stratify 2 months

Miami Mist Phacelia purshii A Bs Sow fresh, or warm stratify 2 months

Milkweed, Butterfly Asclepias tuberosa P Bfly-h, bs Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 3 months

Milkweed, Common Ascelpias syriacus P Bfly-h, bs Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 3 months

Milkweed, Sullivant’s Asclepias sullivantii P Bfly-h, bs Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 3 months

Milkweed, Swamp Asclepias incarnata P Bfly-h, bs Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 1 week 3yrs

Milkweed, Whorled Asclepias verticillata P Bfly-h, bs Fall sow, blooms 2nd year

Mitrewort Mitella diphylla P Surface sow fresh seed, blooms in 3 years

Mountain Mint, Hairy Pycnanthemum verticillatum P Insects Fall or spring sow

Mountain Mint, Hoary Pycnanthemum incanum P Insects Fall or spring sow

Mountain Mint, Slender Pycnanthemum tenuifolium P Insects Fall or spring sow

Mountain Mint, Virginia Pycnanthemum virginianum P Insects Fall or spring sow 3yrs

Mulberry, Red Morus rubra T Bfly-h, brds Sow fresh

Narrow Leaved Spring Beauty Claytonia virginica P Bs Sow fresh

New Jersey Tea Ceanothus americanus S Bfly-h,bs,brds Scarify, hot water soak & cold stratify 2-3 months

Ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius S Bs, brds Fall or spring sow

Nodding Wild Onion Allium cernuum P Bfly, bs, brds Scarify, cold-moist stratify 2-3 months 3yrs

Oak, Black Quercus velutina T Bfly-h, brds Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 4 months

Oak, Blackjack Quercus marilandica T Bfly-h, brds Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 4 months

Oak, Bur Quercus macrocarpa T Bfly-h, brds Sow fresh, cold stratify 2 months, hot water soak

Oak, Chestnut Quercus montana T Brds Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 4 months

Oak, Chinquapin Quercus muehlenbergii T Bfly-h, brds Sow fresh

Oak, Pin Quercus palustris T Bfly-h, brds Cold 2 months, hot water soak-prevents weevil

Oak, Post Quercus stellata T Bfly-h, brds Sow fresh

Oak, Red Quercus rubra T Bfly-h, brds Fall sow

Oak, Scarlet Quercus coccinea T Brds Fall sow

Oak, Shingle Quercus imbricaria T Fall sow

Oak, Shumard Quercus shumardii T Bfly-h Fall sow, or cold stratify 2-3 months

Oak, Swamp White Quercus bicolor T Brds Sow fresh, hot water soak-prevents weevil

Oak, White Quercus alba T Bfly-h, brds Sow fresh

Partridge Berry Mitchella repens GC Brds Fall collect & sow, or 6 weeks cold-moist

Partridge Pea Chamaecrista fasciculate A Bfly-h,bs,brds Fall or spring sow

Paw Paw Asimina triloba T Bfly-h, brds Scarify, cold stratify 2-3 months

Persimmon Diospyros virginiana T Bfly, bs, brds Fall sow, or cold stratify 2-3 months

Phlox, Blue Wood Phlox divaricata P Bfly Cold-moist stratify 1 month

Phlox, Prairie Phlox pilosa P Bfly, bs Cold stratify 1 week

Phlox, Fall Phlox paniculata P Cold-moist stratify 2 months

Phlox, Wild Sweet William Phlox maculate P Cold stratify 2 weeks

Pickerelweed Ponterderia cordata P Brds Sow fresh, or cold-moist 3 months

Pine, Eastern White Pinus strobus T Brds Cold stratify 2 months

Plum, American Prunus americana T Bfly, bs Cold stratify 5 months

Poppy, Celandine Stylophorum diphyllum P Cold stratify, seeds prefer light for germination

Primrose, Little Evening Oenothera perennis P Bfly, bs, brds Fall or spring sow, or cold-moist stratify

Primrose, Narrowleaf Evening Oenothera fruticosa P Bfly, bs, brds Fall or spring sow, or cold-moist stratify

Purple Love Grass Eragrostis spectabilis P Insects Cold-moist stratify 3 months

Queen of the Prairie Filipendula rubra P Bfly Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 2 months


Plant life



Raspberry, Black Rubus occidentalis S Brds, bs Warm-moist 2 months & cold moist 3 months

Rattlesnake Master Eryngium yuccifolium P Cold-moist stratify 2 months

Redbud Cercis canadensis T Bs, brds Scarify, fall sow, cold stratify 1-2 months

Reed, Common Wood Cinna arundinacea P Fall sow, or 2 month cold-moist

Rose, Swamp Rosa palustris S Bs, brds Warm 2 months and cold-moist 4 months

Rose Mallow, Halberdleaf Hibiscus laevis P Bfly, Bs Collect split pods, cold-moist stratify

Rose Mallow, Swamp Hibiscus moscheutos P Brds, bs Seed can have weevils, fall or spring sow 2yrs

Rosinweed, Whorled Silphium trifoliatum P Cold-moist stratify 2 months

Rue, Early Meadow Thalictrum dioicum P Fall sow, germ takes 1 yr., blooms in 2-3 yrs.

Rue, Goat’s Tephrosia virginiana P Brds Collect pods, scarify seed, 10 day moist stratify

Rue, Purple Meadow Thalictrum dasycarpum P Sow fresh, or cold-moist stratify 2 months

Rush, Bald Spike Eleocharis erythropoda P Fall sow, or 2 month cold-moist, surface sow

Rush, Blunt Eleocharis obtusa P Germinates with warm temps (80°F)

Rush, Canadian Juncus canadensis P Brds, fsh Sow fresh, or cold-moist stratify 5-9 months

Rush, Common Juncus effusus P Brds, fsh Sow fresh, or cold-moist stratify 5-9 months

Rush, Torrey’s Juncus torreyi P Brds, fsh Sow fresh, or cold-moist stratify 5-9 months

Sage, Lyre Leaf Salvia lyrata P Brds, bfly Collect dry capsules, cold-moist stratify

Sassafras Sassafras albidum T Bfly-h, brds Cold-moist stratify 2 months

Sedge, Awlfruit Carex stipata P Brds Fall sow, or 2 month cold-moist, surface sow

Sedge, Brome Like Carex bromoides P Fall sow, or 2 month cold-moist, surface sow

Sedge, Buxbaum’s Carex buxbaumii P Fall sow, or 2 month cold-moist, surface sow

Sedge, Common Wood Carex blanda P Cold stratify 1-2 month, surface sow

Sedge, Hop Carex lupulina P Surface sow in Fall

Sedge, Gray’s Carex grayi P Surface sow in Fall

Sedge, Greater Bladder Carex intumescens P Fall sow, or 2 month cold-moist, surface sow

Sedge, Lakebank Carex lacustris P Bfly-h Fall sow, or 2 month cold-moist, surface sow

Sedge, Long Haired Carex comosa P Cold-moist stratify, surface sow

Sedge, Muskingum Carex muskingumensis P Fall sow, or 2 month cold-moist, surface sow

Sedge, Pennsylvania Carex pensylvanica P Surface sow in Fall

Sedge, Shallow Carex lurida P Brds Fall sow, or 2 month cold-moist, surface sow

Sedge, Slender Wood Carex gracilescens P Fall sow, or 2 month cold-moist, surface sow

Sedge, Sweet Marsh Carex hyalinolepis P Fall sow, or 2 month cold-moist, surface sow

Sedge, Upright Carex stricta P Bfly-h, brds Fall sow, or 2 month cold-moist, surface sow

Sedge, Willdenow’s Carex willdenowii P Sow on surface in Fall

Sedge, Wing Stemmed Wood Carex albursina P Cold-moist stratify 3 months

Sedge, Woolly Carex pellita P Fall sow, or 2 month cold-moist, surface sow

Serviceberry, Downy Amelanchier arborea T Bs, brds Cold-moist stratify 3-4 months

Showy Tick Trefoil Desmodium canadense P Bfly-h,bs,brds Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 1 month

Snakeroot, White Ageratina altissima P Insects Fall sow, sow a lot due to low germination rate

Sneezeweed, Common Helenium autumnale P Bfly, bs Fall or spring sow

Solomon’s Plume Maianthemum racemosum P Brds Cold & warm & cold stratify 1 month each

Solomon’s Seal, Hairy Polygonatum pubescens P Brds Sow immediately, or cold-moist stratify

Solomon’s Seal, Smooth Polygonatum biflorum P Brds, Bfly Sow immediately, or cold-moist stratify

Sourwood Oxydendrum arboreum T Bs Sow fresh, keep under mist

Spicebush Lindera benzoin S Bfly-h, brds Cold stratify 4 months

Spiderwort, Ohio Tradescantia ohiensis P Insects Bag seed capsules, cold-moist stratify

Spiderwort, Virginia Tradescantia virginiana P Insects Bag seed capsules, cold-moist stratify

Squirrel Corn Dicentra canadensis P Sow fresh

St. John’s Wort, Great Hypericum ascyron P Bs Cold stratify

Steeplebush Spiraea tomentosa S Bfly-h,brds,bs Fall or spring sow

Sumac, Smooth Rhus glabra S Bfly-h,bs,brds Fall sow, or scarify & cold moist stratify 1 month

Sumac, Staghorn Rhus typhina S Brds, bs Fall sow, or scarify & cold moist stratify 1 month

Sumac, Winged Rhus copallinum S Brds, bs Fall sow, or scarify & cold moist stratify 1 month

Sunflower, Oxeye Heliopsis helianthoides P Bs, brds Fall or spring sow

Sunflower, Giant Helianthus giganteus P Bs, brds Fall sow, or cold stratify 3 months

Sunflower, Hairy Helianthus hirsutus P 3-4 week cold-moist stratify


Plant life



Sunflower, Paleleaf Woodland Helianthus strumosus P Brds Cold-moist stratify 3-4 months

Sunflower, Small Woodland Helianthus microcephalus P Cold-moist stratify 3-4 week

Sunflower, Thin Leaf Helianthus decapetalus P Bfly-h,bs,brds Cold-moist stratify 3-4 week

Sunflower, Woodland Helianthus divaricatus P Bs Cold-moist stratify 3-4 week

Sweet Cicely, Woolly Osmorhiza claytonii P Difficult, warm then cold stratify, germ at 40°F

Sweet Cicely, Longstyle Osmorhiza longistylis P Difficult, warm then cold stratify, germ at 40°F

Sweet Gum Liquadambar styraciflua T Brds Cold-moist 2 months

Switchgrass Panicum virgatum P Bfly-h, brds Fall sow or cold-dry stratify 1-2 months

Sycamore, American Platanus occidentalis T Brds Fall sow, or cold stratify 1 month

Toothwort, Cut leaved Cardamine concatenata P Bfly-h Sow fresh

Toothwort, Two leaved Cardamine diphylla P Bfly-h Sow fresh

Trillium, Drooping Trillium flexipes P Warm, cold stratify, seed germinates at 68°F

Trillium, Toadshade Trillium sessile P Warm, cold stratify, seed germinates at 68°F

Trillium, Red Trillium erectum P Brds Cold, warm, cold stratify, poisonous berries

Trillium, White Trillium grandiflorum P Cold, warm, cold stratify, germinates at 70°F

Trout Lily, Yellow Erythronium americanum P Difficult, mark plants, grows slow from seed <1yr

Tulip Tree Liriodendron tulipifera T Bfly-h,bs,brds Fall sow, or cold stratify 2-3 months

Turtlehead Chelone glabra P Bfly-h, brds Fall sow, or cold-moist 6 weeks, 1yr to germ.

Twinleaf Jefferson diphylla P Sow immediately, takes 4-5 years for flowers

Vervain, Blue Verbena hastate P Bfly-h,brds,bs Fall sow, or Cold moist 30 days, needs light

Vervain, White Verbena stricta P Bfly-h, bs Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify 2 months

Viburnum, Arrowwood Viburnum dentatum S Bfly-h,bs, brds Warm stratify 1 yr. & cold stratify 1 month

Viburnum, Maple leaf Viburnum acerifolium S Bfly-h, brds Warm stratify 1 yr. & cold stratify 2-4 months 10yrs

Viburnum, Nannyberry Viburnum lentago S Bfly-h, brds Collect black fruit, sow fresh, or cold stratify

Violet, Arrow leaved Viola sagittata P Sow fresh, or cold-moist stratify 3 months 3yrs

Violet, American Dog Viola labradorica P Brds Sow fresh, or cold-moist stratify 3 months 3yrs

Violet, Blue Viola cucullata P Brds Sow fresh, or cold-moist stratify 3 months 3yrs

Violet, Canada Viola canadensis P Brds Sow fresh, or cold-moist stratify 3 months 3yrs

Violet, Common Yellow Viola pubescens P Collect browning pods, leave seedlings for 2 yrs. 3yrs

Violet, Common White Viola striata P Brds Sow fresh, or cold-moist stratify 3 months 3yrs

Violet, Early Blue Viola palmate P Sow fresh, or cold-moist stratify 3 months 3yrs

Violet, Halberd Leaved Viola hastata P Brds Sow fresh, or cold-moist stratify 3 months 3yrs

Violet, Lance Leaved Viola lanceolata P Sow fresh, or cold-moist stratify 3 months 3yrs

Violet, Long Spurred Viola rostrate P Sow fresh, or cold-moist stratify 3 months 3yrs

Violet, Sweet White Viola blanda P Capsules explode, sow immediately 3yrs

Virginia Creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia V Bfly-h, brds Fall sow, or cold-moist stratify in sand 2 months

Walnut, Black Juglans nigra T Bfly-h, brds Fall sow, or cold stratify 2-4 months

Waterleaf, Broad Leaved Hydrophyllum canadense P Warm then cold stratify 1 month each

Waterleaf, Large Leaved Hydrophyllum macrophyllum P Warm then cold stratify 1 month each

Waterleaf, Virginia Hydrophyllum virginianum P Sow immediately after collection

Wild Hyacinth Camassia scilloides P Bfly, bs Cold-moist stratify 3-4 months

Wild Leek (Ramp) Allium tricoccum P Cold-moist stratify 2 months

Wild Rye, Downy Elymus villosus P Sow fresh

Wild Rye, Streambank Elymus riparius P Fall sow, or cold-moist 2 month

Wild Rye, Virginia Elymus virginicus P Bfly-h Sow fresh

Wild Stonecrop Sedum ternatum P Collect small dark seeds 3 weeks after bloom

Willow, Bebb Salix bebbiana T Bfly-h, bs Sow fresh seed on moist media, germ in days

Willow, Peachleaf Salix amygdaloides T Bfly-h, bs Sow fresh seed on moist media, germ in days

Willow, Prairie Salix humilis S Bfly-h,bs,brds Sow fresh seed on moist media, germ in days

Willow, Pussy Salix discolor S Bfly-h, bs Sow fresh seed on moist media, germ in days

Winterberry, Common Ilex verticillata S Bfly-h,brds,bs Sow fresh, warm 2 month & cold 2 month

Wintergreen Gaultheria procumbens S Brds 1-2 months moist stratify,

Witch Hazel Hamamelis virginiana S 86°F for 2 months & 40° for 3 months

Yellow Fumewort Corydalis flavula A Insects Warm stratify 2 months, germ at 68°F


Plant life



Beauty is not just about color or prolonged bloom when it comes to plants; function is remarkably

beautiful and can be displayed marvelously in a native plant community as well as a human community.

In fact even plant and human community could be combined into one as we examine associations to our

surroundings through intentional or unintentional interaction. While in search of seed to collect and

propagate I have found adventure and discovery in the midst of success and failure; I am now confident

that these cannot be separated. Many Genus and species are missing from this list because I could not

find seed germination reports for all of our wonderful Ohio native plants. And truth be told I have only

propagated a small number of plants from this list. Any input including experience with seed

propagating native plants on this list, and/or native plants missing from this list, would be treasured and

very appreciated so this information can be updated and made available!

Common names used on this list are derived from the combination of http://www.wildflower.org and

http://plants.usda.gov, which provide the most recognized common name.

Botanical names give us some peace of mind from all of the common names associated with one plant.

Botanical names can change as taxonomist make new discoveries and connections between plant

families. This list has updated botanical names as of March 17, 2015.

Plant life is important to know when preparing to collect seed, propagate, and grow plants. Here is the

code for this section: Annual, Perennial, Ground Cover, Shrub, Tree, and Vine.

Wildlife associations reveals the beauty and necessity of diversity within a community; different parts

working together. Many of the plants listed have associations beyond what I have listed, but I ran out of

room and most of the questions and curiosities I have been asked are why I chose the following list. It

would be safe to say that if a plant attracts bees and butterflies there is a good chance that it attracts

other visitors as well. Here is the code for this section: bs= bees, brds=birds, fsh= fish, bfly= butterfly, -h

= host plant.

Collection & Stratification range from very easy to very hard, and can take quite a long time with a few

species, but that is what makes this worth it. The preference is always to sow freshly collected seed,

with some seed in need of cleaning prior to sowing. Scarification can indicate nicking the seed coat or

soaking in acid for a short time. If there is not a stratification time length listed in the column then it

should be taken to mean 1 month (example: Baptisia alba simple says cold-moist stratify, it is implied to

mean for 1 month).

Seed life consist of storing seed that has been cleaned and dried in a sealable container in an

environment that is around 40°F and out of light. This can be quite hard for the home owner.

Alternatively an environment in which the humidity and temperature do not combine to be over 100; in

a sealed container; in a dark room where the temperature doesn’t fluctuate, help create an ideal setting

for most (not all) seed being stored. Some seed doesn’t store well, it wasn’t meant to, and that’s okay. If

you have excess seed you might think of sharing with a neighbor or donating it to a seed swap.

Resources: http://www.nativeplantnetwork.org ; http://www.wildflower.org ; http://plants.usda.gov ;

http://www.wildones.org ; The complete Guide To Saving Seeds, Robert Gough & Cheryl Moore-Gough;

Bringing Nature Home, Doug Tallamy; The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation, Dirr &

Heuser; Sanja Jennings- Native Plant Production at Toledo Botanical Garden; Successes and failures of

Joshua Fietz (contact: [email protected] )

http://www.wildflower.org/

http://plants.usda.gov/

http://www.nativeplantnetwork.org/

http://www.wildflower.org/

http://plants.usda.gov/

http://www.wildones.org/

mailto:[email protected]

Documents

Seed propagating Ohio native plants