By Simba Blood
Bloom, pod, open, disperse. Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) moves through reproductive phases. |
Seeds are labeled with name, site, and initials of staff who collected it. |
As the season turns cooler and daylight decreases, many of our native flowers reach the culmination of all their efforts; those gorgeous summer blooms are now the repository of a potential new generation.
This time of year, in between fall weed control and preparing sites for next year's restoration efforts, the NR staff spends some time collecting these seeds to use in new restorations or enhancing diversity in previously restored areas.
Collecting and cleaning seed is a big job. |
A REALLY big job! |
Another consideration is how much we collect. Ideally, we harvest no more than 1/4 of the seeds from any stand. Although these are perennial plants there is always the potential for some mortality; we want to ensure there are enough seeds left for the population to remain vigorous and even expand. More importantly, one of the major reasons for restoring landscapes is to provide habitat. We don't want to deprive seed eating birds of a valuable food source. It's easier to keep in mind when you can see flocks of finches feeding on the seed heads from the office window!
Alright, as promised, quiz time.
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