Moist packed seeds update

As announced, we are ‘back to business’, thanks to Canada Post resuming activity. It seems that all works well for the time being.

The regular check-up on the moist packed seeds yesterday revealed the first signs of germination on Trillium grandiflorum. No surprise here.
Those new to our blog can read about the Large flowered Trillium germination in a few older posts: No- DOD’s, Check and skotomorphogeneticals.

Also as expected, few of the Daphne mezereum seeds show grown radicles, while the white flowered form, Daphne mezereum ex. ‘Bowles White’ seeds are only in the initial stage of radicles emergence. Needless to say that this may be the last chance to purchase and sow the Daphne seeds! The seeds with grown radicles cannot be safely shipped afterwards.

Daphne mezereum germinated seeds

Daphne mezereum ‘Bowles White’ germination

From all other moist-packed seeds, Asarum canadense (wild ginger) is the next one expected to start germination (roots only) somewhere in November; hurry up!
For all the above mentioned species, I refer to the radicles growth as ‘germination’ for convenience. The actual complete germination will happen in the spring, after a cold/moist cycle, when the first leaves will start growing.

As usual, all moist packed seeds will remain available until temperatures start to drop sharply below zero (it could be in late November, December…). Newly added to the Seed List:
Clematis viorna
Clematis integrifolia
Physostegia virginiana

Maple-leaved Viburnum

Just a few words to announce the seeds of Viburnum acerifolium, my favourite Viburnum, for many reasons.

First, this eastern North American native shrub is very  hardy and adaptable, growing from sun to shade, in deciduous and mixed woods. In the gardens it can be planted almost anywhere, being tolerant of many soils, especially enjoying rocky, sandy soils, and being drought tolerant after it gets established.

Then, the white flowers are sought by many pollinators in mid to late spring. In the fall the maple-shaped leaves take beautiful shades of red to magenta and orange, depending on the sun exposure; more sun leads to deeper colors. What a beautiful contrast with the blue-black fruits!

Viburnum acerifolium flowers

Viburnum acerifolium fall

Viburnum acerifolium fall foliage

Maple-leaved Viburnum spreads by rhizomes, which can be considered its only ‘defect’ when it comes to garden cultivation, but on the other hand a grouping of plants in many situations can be actually desirable, providing cover for the songbirds.

Viburnum acerifolium and Viburnum rafinesquianum are the smallest native arrowwoods species, being best suitable for smaller city gardens.

BotanyCa Seed List is mainly inclined towards perennials but there are a few native, and non-native, shrubs & vines hard to resist and especially useful for small and medium size gardens.
They are offered whenever possible: Cornus rugosa, Daphne mezereum, Lindera benzoin, Lonicera dioica, Calycanthus floridus, Ceanothus americanus... to mention just a few.
For many of these, the best sowing time is right now!

Fall bounty

The image below, from another year, also shows the current fruits bounty, albeit in a different proportion this fall. It will take a few days to clean all the fruits (especially the Viburnum acerifolium).
As we now know, the seeds of Prosartes lanuginosa do need to be sown asap in order too germinate well in the spring (and  they do not keep well in moist storage).

So, those interested can find Prosartes lanuginosa and also Disporum uniflorum seeds in the inventory right now; both in limited quantity, as usual. A few packets of Partridge berry seeds, Mitchella repens, are also available, to begin with.

The same goes for Lindera benzoin, the Northern Spicebush.

Maianthemum racemosum fruits (featured image) were also added to the bounty; maybe someone wants to try the combination from the picture (to the right), showing fall color of Uvularia grandiflora with the False Solomon’s seal fruits in the foreground.

And just a reminder that although all the other remaining seeds from the ‘moist packed category’ are doing well, currently undergoing their slightly warm/moist cycle, they will become unavailable as soon as the temperatures will begin falling towards the late fall/early winter. Time flies…

For more reading:
Wildflowers Monday – Mitchella repens
Lindera benzoin

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.

 

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.

 

 

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

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

 

 

While waiting for spring…

Considering the current weather, the ‘real’ spring will be delayed this year and most likely we’ll enjoy our beloved spring flowering native species a bit later than usual.

The spring of 2020, a Covid year, was similar. Combined with the traveling restrictions I had plenty of time to write and emphasize about various native species growing in my garden; most of them grown from seeds of course!
While doing it, I was enjoying the true spring harbingers, which are non-natives. Truth is, all very early spring flowering plants in our cold climate: the snowdrops, reticulate irises, crocuses, hellebores…are non-native species, and I wouldn’t be without any of them. There is always plenty of space for both categories 😉

Looking back, it is nice to note the progress in my garden: the patches of wild ginger have greatly expanded and I already divided them, same goes for the mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum), the waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginianum), Maianthemum stellatum and even Sanguinaria canadensis. Many seedlings shown back then (in 2020) are now at flowering and fruiting stage! Even a few Claytonia virginica patches escaped the squirrels foraging.

It is worth repeating, at the beginning of a new season when everyone gets easily excited, that depending on the region where we garden and the particularities of our garden, we have to think carefully what native (and non-native) species may adapt and grow well for us. As much as we would like, we cannot grow all of them.
Like I said at the time, “trying to use locations in the garden that reproduce the native habitat is the key to their happiness”.
Also, by growing from seeds and planting more seedlings in the garden, usually ensure more success than buying and planting just one mature plant in one location.

Click on the green links, review, take notes, make garden plans and spring will soon arrive!
Spring in time of covid III – about Allium tricoccum (wild leeks), Stylophorum diphyllum (woodland poppy), Primula mistassinica, bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis).

Primula mistassinica, late April/May

Sanguinaria canadensis

Stylophorum diphyllum

Spring in time of covid IV – about native plants for moist areas, Indian paintbrushes (Castilleja), Blue flag iris (Iris versicolor) and other Irises, Parnassia, Lobelia, Zigadenus elegans….Castilleja coccinea has even flowered one year and few self-sown seedlings may continue the show.

Castilleja coccinea garden, June 2023

Iris versicolor, late April, May

Parnassia glauca, summer

Spring in time of covid V – about other woodland species like Asarum canadense (wild ginger), Caulophyllum (blue cohosh), Prosartes lanuginosa (yellow mandarin).

Asarum-canadense-Maianthemum

Caulophyllum giganteum

Prosartes lanuginosa seedlings April 2020

More about other native species in the “Wildflowers” category posts.
Hepatica species have a whole page dedicated to them!

Also use the “Search” tab: write the plant name you are interested in and if something was written, it will show up. Want to know about the Golden seal? (Hydrastis canadense) just write the name and all the posts will line-up.

Friday’s seeds and Rhamnus alnifolia portrait

Did you know that we have a Canadian native buckthorn? It is not weedy, it doesn’t have thorns, and more than this, it grows as a small size shrub, so it doesn’t take a lot of space. It is never a good idea to stereotype 😉
The seeds were limited as availability, and of course, those who watch the Seeds List got hold of them, but winter is a good time to talk and learn about another not so well-known native plant.

Rhamnus alnifolia, the Alder-leaves Buckthorn or Dwarf alder, is a very cold hardy, native shrub of many regions of Canada, from BC to Newfoundland (plus North Central US). Widespread in some regions and localized in others, it is easy to recognize if one happens to stumble upon, mainly by its nice, shiny foliage (of course, you will have to check all the other characters).

The Alder-leaves Buckthorn is a thornless, deciduous shrub with shiny, conspicuous alternate leaves: lanceolate-oblong to elliptical with (4)5-7 secondary veins, margins crenate. As you notice, the common name alludes to the alder leaf similarity. It is a small size,  +/- 1 m shrub, that inhabits wetlands, fens (generally calcareous) swamps, wet meadows, forest edges and streambanks.

Rhamnus alnifolia

Rhamnus alnifolia flowers

Rhamnus alnifolia fruits

As seen  in the image above, the flowers are inconspicuous: female and male flowers develop on different plants in May-July (plants are dioecious). They are solitary or in small inflorescences and have 5 greenish sepals; fruits are bluish-black, ornamental, and develop in the fall.

Rhamnus alnifolia stones; 1 mm grid

Rhamnus alnifolia habitat

The bluish-black drupes can contain up to 3 ‘stones’ (which we call seeds). Most surely, the stones require cold/moist stratification for good germination (i.e. sowing in late fall/early winter).

In cultivation, the Alder-leaves buckthorn would be a great shrubby addition for those with a relatively wet area in the garden and for naturalization projects.

If we draw inspiration from nature, good companion plants for the Alder-leaves buckthorn would be: various goldenrods (Solidago), White snakeroot (Ageratina altissima), Lobelia species, Shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa, i.e. Dasiphora), Thalictrum pubescens, Northern blue flag (Iris versicolor), Gentianopsis, Triantha glutinosa, Ladies tresses (Spiranthes), Sarracenia, Myrica gale and many other species for moist locations.