On Black Huckleberry germination

Cleaning seeds, especially from fleshy fruits, allows your mind to wander free, and of course, I usually ‘meditate’ on the germination requirements of the seeds.

I’ve collected for the first time a few fruits of Gaylussacia baccata, the Black Huckleberry.
I do not know if it will be in great demand, but I believe that providing wild collected seeds is good even if just a few people grow them from seeds; it adds to their genetic variability.

Some sources claim that Black Huckleberry seeds are hard to germinate and have a short viability.

Going in more depth, one can find the following germination protocol, in controlled conditions:
“ Samples of 2-year-old seeds were subjected first to warm stratification in moist peat at temperatures alternating diurnally from 68F to 86F for 30 days (20-30C). Then the temp. was lowered to 50F (10C) and the seeds germinated: 80% after 27 days and 96% after 47 days “ (Seeds of Woody Plants in the United States – Forest Service, USDA)

It may be one of those cases when sowing the seeds too late in the fall/winter, doesn’t allow for the first cycle of warm/moist stratification that these seeds require in order to break dormancy. The seeds contain a fully developed embryo, like shown in the image, so there is no reason for the seeds not to germinate.

The truth is that it is impossible to provide outdoors the 20-30 alternating day temperatures in Canada at this time.

So, the solution would be to naturally sow the seeds outdoors next year in the summer (July-August) and be patient as they should germinate in the next spring. Alternatively, stratify the seeds in moist media and provide the mentioned controlled warm/cold cycles in the house (if possible).

Stay tuned….
* I also wondered about the genus name: Gaylussacia. It commemorates the French chemist Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac. There are about 40 Gaylussacia species in North and South America.

Short intermezzo with Gentiana

The first flowers of Gentiana asclepiadea and Gentiana andrewsii are announcing the fall. Gentiana paradoxa flowers on the other hand are slowly coming to an end.

Gentiana paradoxa

Gentiana asclepiadea

Gentiana andrewsii

A self-sown Gentiana dahurica has flowered white, to prove, once again, the variability obtained from seeds. Shall we name it ‘Snowhite’?

Gentiana dahurica – white flower

Gentiana dahurica

All these Gentiana species are not difficult to grow from seeds. More seeds to be announced toward the end of the week after they are cleaned and processed, stay tuned…
(Trillium erectum, T. luteum, Cornus canadensis, Coptis, more Clintonia, more Trientalis, …..)

Diphylleia cymosa plant portrait

I was actually preparing something else for today. Then a small packet with ‘precious’ seeds inside arrived.

Besides announcing new seeds, even on the other prepared post, I was first expressing my gratitude and thanks to all those who are contributing with interesting seeds for BotanyCa Shop. It would otherwise be impossible to offer various species, especially native to North America, which actually do not grow wild in Ontario, or even in Canada for that matter.

Diphylleia cymosa flowering in late spring

On to Diphylleia cymosa, the American Umbrella Plant.

I am excited for these seeds for a few reasons, one being my penchant for studying the germination patterns of Berberidaceae, you know… Caulophyllum, Jeffersonia, Epimedium, Podophyllums and others in this family.
They all bear a few similar characteristics, including having seeds that need to be sown fresh in order to germinate; or kept moist, to allow later sowing. I admired this large perennial many years ago in the now closed Lost Horizons Gardens.

Diphylleia cymosa  is a native of southeastern USA, particularly from the Blue Ridge Mountains of the southern Appalachians, where according to Flora of North America, it forms “dense colonies on moist slopes in mixed deciduous forests and along streams”. 
I call it American Umbrella Plant because there are other 2 species in this genus, D. sinensis (from China) and D. grayi (from Japan and Sakhalin).

A very large perennial, it is growing from a short rhizome that produces 1 leaf or one flowering stem per year (with 2 leaves); a similarity with Podophyllum I would say. The large leaves are simple, 2-parted, each part with 5-9 lobes.
In culture it prefers a moist, rich substrate but can also grow in average soils, only that it remains shorter in stature.

American Umbrella Plant flowers

The white flowers appear in late spring in a terminal cyme (hence cymosa). One cannot deny the resemblance of these flowers to those of Jeffersonia dubia white form!

Later, the maturing dark-blue berries will make a striking contrast with the red pedicels!

How are the seeds looking? I think they are also very handsome, seeds-speaking 😊

A few were malformed, it happens, so I said let’s have a look ‘inside’. A very nice surprise! I found the embryo to be in the torpedo stage (with the shoot apical meristem and root apical meristem formed), so the germination shouldn’t be difficult after proper stratification.

Diphylleia cymosa seeds; to the right a dissected seed showing torpedo stage embryo

Those who have proper space in the garden, do not hesitate to give it a try. It makes a striking specimen plant for the woodland garden!

Most likely, like all rhizomatous plants, it needs a few years to establish but afterwards it will remain a long lived plant to be admired, from spring to fall for many years to come.

I will follow you in the journey of sowing a few seeds to witness their germination and see how the seedlings develop! Among a few Podophyllums I can certainly also grow one Umbrella Plant.

I again, kindly call attention to the moist-packed seeds category: the Seeds List (warm germinating species with dry seeds can be purchased all winter long).

 

UPDATE late August 2026

Seeds sowed in August 2025 (the pots were kept outdoors over the winter) had very good germination in the spring of 2026.
Just in the case of Podophyllum species, the seedlings developed only cotyledon leaves in their first season and became dormant somewhere in July.

 

Still waiting…with Daphne mezereum

I just cleaned up seeds of the February Daphne and I will take a little time to tell a well kept secret; not on my website though! Maybe google AI will learn about it as well 😉

Daphne mezereum seedlings

The seeds of Daphne mezereum (like some other Daphne species) are in the category of recalcitrant seeds. The storage life of these seeds is limited! I don’t know precisely how short is the viability, one would need many seeds to keep them dry and sow them at intervals over a year.
Usually Daphne seeds received from seeds exchanges (usually in the spring), will germinate very poor or not at all.

The germination practice: the seeds need first a warm/moist stratification (ie. sowing in late summer/early fall, during which the radicle will emerge from seeds), followed by a cold/moist stratification. In this case, they will start to germinate in the spring.
Most serious seed companies agree on the germination cycles but they fail to warn you about sowing seeds that were kept dry for too long.

This is the reason why, in some years, seeds of Daphne mezereum are offered by BotanCa only in late summer/early fall. What doesn’t sell (if), gets thrown away. I kept them moist packed one year after collecting and the radicles protrude sometime in late fall, so that it is not a good option.
The same goes for Daphne tangutica, but the fruits are maturing much later in this case, reason why it remains on offer until early winter.

Daphne mezereum

So, do not miss the occasion to grow the February Daphne when the shop reopens. It is a most beautiful and fragrant harbinger of spring! One of those species you rarely find to purchase at a garden center (if ever).

PS. If Canada Post keeps to only ‘evaluation the situation’, we will start accepting orders on Friday.

Waiting…raspberries and blackberries

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Rubus odoratus

Well, today’s news is that the Unionized workers of Canada Post voted against the latest contract offer. The common sense didn’t prevail after all. More uncertainty  is something that we do not actually need at this time.

We have to wait and see what the bankrupt Crown Corporation will announce on this matter. There is no point to accept orders and then not being able to ship the seeds, or for the small parcels to remain on hold in their containers, especially those with moist packed seeds.

The positive side of waiting, is that more seeds will available.
Latest collections: Rubus odoratus, Purple-flowered raspberry and Rubus canadensis, the Smooth blackberry – this one new to the Seed List.

Rubus odoratus is more an ornamental raspberry appreciated for its large, purple fragrant flowers, foliage and attractive red fruits which are edible but not truly tasty.

Rubus canadensis with immature fruits

On the other hand, Rubus canadensis produces delicious, sweet fruits and most often in great quantity; red maturing to black.

*Despite the common name (Smooth blackberry), it can sometimes have small prickles on the stems.

Not everyone can grow a raspberry or blackberry in their garden; most are large size shrubs/colonizers. However, it is good to know more about the native species that can be encountered while hiking, and which are the sweetest of them 😊

Flowers of all the raspberries and blackberries attract various pollinators, while the berries provide food for mammals and birds!

Native woodland garden recipe – updated

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At the same time with cleaning seeds and updates of the inventory, I look to see what posts may need to be removed to make space for new ones. On this occasion I  stumbled upon a post entitled: Native woodland garden recipe, which I think would be good to bring ‘upfront’ (those familiar with Photoshop know what I mean), with a few updates made.

It is about the usefulness of sowing species with similar germination and seedlings growth requirements grouped together, and methods that can be used to avoid having too many individual pots sitting around.

A native woodland garden recipe updated
Please read all other posts with links provided at the end.
Fingers crossed Canada Post employees will vote with common sense on their labor dispute; we should know on Friday what’s going to be.

Select a large container (preferably a rectangular one), add a good potting soil mixture, press firmly and add:
 1/2 tbs Trillium grandiflorum (Large-flowered Trillium) seeds (+/- 50 s)
1/2 tbs Uvularia grandiflora (large-flowered bellwort) seeds (+30 s)
1/2 tbs Clintonia borealis (Blue bead lily) seeds (or other Trillium species)
1/3 tbs Asarum canadense (wild ginger)

Cover with 2+ cm of the same mixture
Water very well by going over with the watering can a few times, at intervals
Simmer for at least 2 years in a part-shaded location; never let the container dry out! (sun in the spring, then shade to part-shade)
For best results in a cold climate: dug the container in the ground, cover with a mesh for critters; add a layer of dry leaves on top of it in late fall for winter protection
Remove the leaves in early spring; you may need to top up the container with a bit of fresh mix
Continue simmering, check regularly the water status – this is very important!
Ready to consume usually after 3-4 years (ie. to transplant the seedlings)

Trillium grandiflorum seeds

Uvularia grandiflora seeds

Clintonia borealis seeds

Wild ginger seedlings

The recipe can be adapted to your particular needs. For example if the wild ginger is needed in greater quantity, the seeds can be planted in a separate container.

You can also add to the recipe: 1 tbs Caulophyllum thalictroides (Blue cohosh) seeds!(+/- 14 s) – but sown in a separate large deep pot, or ‘in situ’ because of the 2 years germination and the seedlings that form a large root system even when young. Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot) seeds are also recommended, added to the recipe similar with Caulophyllum.

In case of sowing in a large container, take care and do not sow too many seeds! The future seedlings need space for growing!

Also, you can reduce the recipe in half, replace some of the species, or use individual pots grouped together in a flat/holding container (as shown in another post).
*Those adventurous can also sow all these species ‘in situ’, ie. directly in the ground (double up the recipe in that case).

Joke aside, from my own experience it is much easier to handle plant species with similar requirements for germination/growing conditions when grouped together.

Few older postings of interest:
Moist packing – what’s that?
We got the moist packed seeds – now what?
FAQ – moist packed seeds

           

Summer Seeds 2025

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Newly collected hydrophilic seeds are in stock: Jeffersonia, Asarum, Sanguinaria and Stylophorum diphyllum, plus other species that require first a warm moist stratification before the winter (cold/moist stratification). They can be easily found in the tab above the regular Seed List.
What hydrophilic seeds means? To make a long story short:

Various species have been proven to have hydrophilic seeds, which means that if they are let to dry (like for the majority of other species) and are kept this way for certain periods of time, they lose their viability and will either not germinate upon sowing, or will germinate poorly & over a longer period of time.
So, they have to be either sown soon after collecting, or if they will be used at a later date, they need to be kept moist. Hence our ‘Moist packed category’.

Sowing such seeds soon after collecting or keeping them moist throughout the summer mimics their natural growing conditions, will result most times in 100% germination. It is a lot of extra work but worth doing it.

Sanguinaria canadensis seeds are offered for free (1 pck., while quantity lasts) with any order for other seeds, during the Canada Day promotion.
Orders are accepted until July 5. Afterwards, I have to take care of some personal matters, so the Shop will close for about 2 weeks.

Pachyphragma macrophyllum

Other species that do not have hydrophilic seeds but give best results when sowed during the summer because they require first a warm/moist stratification period, have been added to the listing: Pachyphragma, Cardamine and Helleborus.
In other cases (Pseudofumaria, Pulsatilla) by sowing in the summer it is possible to obtain seedlings this season and thus shorten the time needed for full grown plants.

Helleborus seeds can be sown until late summer/early fall in our climate, but they are listed in case someone needs more seeds in order to optimize the shipping costs.

Sanguinaria canadensis 2024

Asarum canadense

Helleborus caucasicus

Jeffersonia diphylla

*Regarding the hydrophilic seeds, since they are freshly collected most will be shipped doubled packed in glassine envelopes/plastic bags (some may be moist packed in vermiculite).
**As usual, the remaining hydrophilic seeds will be moist-packed and available for the fall-winter sale (where enough seeds).
***All orders must conform with the Ordering and Shipping terms.

Those new to the Shop and website, please read more about these species on their pages, also have a look at the Germination page for more info on: Growing Helleborus from seeds, Growing Jeffersonia from seeds, Growing Caulophyllum from seeds…

Many thanks again to all who support BotanyCa in the endeavour of offering fresh seeds of various native and other plants species. We can all make a small contribution to sustain the biodiversity simply by growing a few plants from seeds!

The ‘superfluous’ Penstemon

Upon inspection, Jeffersonia diphylla capsules will open soon. I  just collected Asarum canadense seeds (wild ginger) and Sanguinaria canadensis capsules look ready to burst. So, we will wait a couple of days to start a new wave of fresh seeds sale. Stay tuned…and check the Seed List for what’s coming.

Penstemon grandiflorus ‘War Axe’

Meanwhile, a beautiful North American Penstemon is flowering for the first time: Penstemon grandiflorus, the Shell-leaf Penstemon.
I was expecting lilac flowers but instead they are deep purple. Since I got the seeds from a friend (cultivated source), I thought a bit more research might be necessary even if all characters match for it.

It was easy, it seems there is a seed strain offered as ‘War Axe’, with the resulting seedlings in various colors from lilac to pink and deep purple. I have 2 plants and both are the same. So, this was clarified and the changes were made in the Shop.
Reading here and there, I become aware of another issue: some databases (WFO, POWO) are listing Penstemon grandiflorus Nutt. as a synonym name for Penstemon bradbury Pursh.

This on the account that Penstemon grandiflorus name is considered superfluous. The meaning of a superfluous plant name is that: if a new name is published for a species, and it included the type of an existing, valid name, then the new name is considered superfluous and illegitimate. This is because the author of the new name should have used the existing, valid name.

On the other hand, Flora of North America specialist for the genus accepted the name Penstemon grandiflorus while considering Penstemon bradbury an illeg., superfluous name: “The validity of the name Penstemon grandiflorus has been debated owing to the meager diagnosis by Nuttall. The name is accepted here, making P. bradburyi Pursh, an illegitimate, superfluous replacement for P. grandiflorus.”

Squabble between the specialists? 😉 Not the first time happening…
I usually prefer to follow the Flora of North America taxonomic treatments, regardless of the country/continent, as opposed to various databases compilations, so at least for now I keep P. grandiflorus.

The name may be ‘superfluous’ by some, but the beauty of the “Largest and showiest of the North American prairie penstemons” is not contested by anyone.

 

 

June & Jeffersonia

Many thanks to all who participated in the Hepatica seeds sale!
Sow the seeds, follow the instructions, and be patient. In a few years you will be rewarded with charming, colorful spring beauties! Only a couple of packets of H. acutiloba are still available.

Jeffersonia dubia flowering in April

Soon, a few other species with best germination when ‘sown fresh’ will be available: Jeffersonia dubia (syn. Plagiorhegma), Cardamine enneaphyllos and Pachyphragma macrophyllum.
Considering the crazy spring weather, it was pleasing to see the twinleafs forming a few fruits.
The seeds to be announced; those interested can also keep an eye on the Seed List page, on the tab dedicated to the fresh seeds in need of fast sowing.

For those new to the website, here are useful links with info for growing the Twinleafs from seeds. Both species are great, cold hardy early spring bloomers for those in cold climates. Jeffersonia dubia ‘Alba’ also flowered for the first time, so in a couple of years we hope to offer it in both colors.
Growing Jeffersonia from seeds
More on Jeffersonia germination

A few other spring species are starting to mature their fruits/seeds, so careful attention is needed to catch especially those ‘specialized’ in escaping 😊 like Viola species, which would be difficult to enclose in organza bags, as opposed to Hepatica, Jeffersonia, Helleborus and few others. Despite the crazy early spring weather, Physoclaina orientalis had an excellent flowering time resulting in good seeds setting (and preparing to go into dormancy now). On the other hand, Stylophorum diphyllum fruit setting is very low (do not expect too many seeds available).

Physoclaina orientalis

Viola dissecta

June is a most wonderful month in the garden with new seeds, a plethora of species flowering and with many garden ‘chores’ :)

Prosartes lanuginosa

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Prosartes lanuginosa in flower (yellow mandarin), garden cultivated.

 Prosartes lanuginosa (the yellow mandarin) is in full bloom in my garden, looking more beautiful than ever and deserving a mention.
I looked back at propagation pictures and these older plants were tiny seedlings  in 2018! Formerly named Disporum, this is the only Prosartes species growing wild in Southern Ontario, and only in restricted locations.

Easily recognized by its graceful habit with usually 3 branching stems ending with 1-2 cream flowers (despite the name yellow mandarin) in late spring, followed by bright red/orange fruits in the fall. 

I mentioned on other occasions that I am partial to all Disporum and Prosartes species; there is a subtle elegance in the way they grow and carry themselves, not equaled by many other plants. Some may see it and some may not….obviously I like them very much!

Of course that one needs to see them grow and flower in order to appreciate their beauty, which is not an easy task. They are absent from regular garden centres and even specialized nurseries do not offer too many such species. Luckily they adapt well and are easy growing in the garden.

Yellow mandarin makes a great plant for the woodland garden. It flowers right after the Uvularia and Trillium grandiflorum have bloomed.  Other good native companions: Claytonia virginica, Asarum canadense, Jeffersonia diphylla, Hydrophyllum virginianum, Viola canadensis, Stylophorum diphyllum…to mention just a few.

It it is not difficult to grow from seeds: fresh seeds need to be sown in early fall and the pots kept outdoors to allow the natural variations in temperature (slightly warm – fall – cold -winter). Always keep an eye for the fresh seeds (always limited quantity) offered usually in September. They do not keep well in moist storage and it is best to purchase them asap.

Prosartes lanuginosa (Michx.) D.Don seeds

Prosartes lanuginosa in habitat

Prosartes lanuginosa seedlings

Prosartes lanuginosa seedlings April 2020

Prosartes lanuginosa seedlings

Prosartes lanuginosa 3 years old seedlings

About Hepatica acutiloba

Most years the Sharp-lobed leaf Hepatica, Hepatica acutiloba, blooms 1 week ahead of H. americana and right now the flowering is almost done (depending on the region).
So, we will first have a recap about this lovely wildflower with related links explaining how to identify it, where it grows, how to grow it from seeds, plus showing many images of flowering plants and seedlings.

I only have new to show a pretty semidouble pink form, which seems to be partially maiden as well (not with many functional anthers).

A reminder that our beloved Hepatica species have their own page that gets updated once in a while:

Hepatica – read about North American Hepatica species, seeds and germination, transplanting the seedlings….

Notes on Hepatica acutiloba (2018) – page

Other useful posts related with Hepatica acutiloba

Hepatica acutiloba pastel mix explained  (2019)

Hepatica acutiloba and a checklist (2020)

Getting ready for Hepatica acutiloba (2022)

The season of ten thousand flowers

The season of ten thousand flowers has begun and the title of this haiku describes very well what is happening in this part of Ontario: the sudden rise of temperatures in mid April results in the overlapping flowering of many spring wildflowers.

This, of course, coincides with many garden tasks, which all need to be done asap, plus new plantings, all which are best done before the summer heat settles in.

The Corydalis tried to flower earlier, but then a wave of cold air stopped them for a while. Right now all are blooming together with Hepaticas, Sanguinaria, Helleborus, Jeffersonia dubia, various Draba and Primula species, plus few Pulsatilla…

Considering the time of flowering, Hepatica seeds will mature somewhere at the end of May this year.

With Corydalis we may never know; notably mama bumblebees (their major pollinator) haven’t made an apparition yet.

The next postings will feature previous writings on Hepatica, unless I have something notable new to add.

Enjoy the long-awaited spring, which will surely merge fast into the summer!

A short Corydalis summary especially for those new to the blog (also see the related posts).

Growing Corydalis solida & allies from seeds

Corydalis Easter edition 2022

Corydalis 2023

To finish about spring Corydalis