Conservation through propagation
A short note for those who purchased Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal) seeds last year and kept them in moist storage, as advised: it is time to sow the seeds! Then, put the pot outdoors and the seeds should germinate sometime in May.
You can read about the goldenseal and why I recommended this method below:
Goldenseal: Conservation through propagation
Hydrastis canadensis seeds aspect after warm/cold moist stratification, April 8, 2022
Every time I look at goldenseal and/or its seeds, the motto: “Conservation through propagation” comes to mind.
Driving through the outskirts of any city, you will probably notice large areas ‘cleaned’ up, leveled and ready for more buildings: homes, shopping plazas….True that they are necessary ‘evils’ but we are steadily pushing away, sometimes into oblivion, various plant species, invertebrates and all others living things related one to another.
Trillium erectum growing in a small woodland corridor in a nearby neighborhood a few years ago. Vanished by now….
Some may argue that Canada is a large country with a fortunate expanse of territories. However, many species are particularly adapted and grow only in certain regions/specific habitats.
What we can do is to offer refuge in our small urban gardens to as many native species as possible; at least to those that adapt well to garden cultivation. From personal experience, it is possible to harmoniously grow native and non-native species together, without having to give up your collectable, or ‘rare’ garden treasures.
Growing them from seeds involves more work, but preferable because it sustains the genetic variability. This is very important for their long-term survival and adaptation. If not a seeds officionado, this spring look at your garden centre for offerings of native plants. Every little bit helps.
*Bloodroot seedlings from few years ago shown in the featured image. How long until we also declare Sanguinaria, Trillium erectum (and other species) endangered?
