Arrowleaf Balsamroot and Mules Ear Seed Germination

Abstract

The germination of arrowleaf balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata) and mules ear (Wyethia amplexicaulis) was studied. Both species are important coarse forbs on sagebrush (Artemisia) rangelands in western North America. Germination of the seeds (achenes) of both species was enhanced by cool-moist stratification, 4 weeks at 2 or 5 degrees C for mules ear and 12 weeks for arrowleaf balsamroot. After stratification, mules ear seeds germinated at a wide range of constant and alternating temperatures. Germination of arrowleaf balsamroot seeds was greatly enhanced by stratification, but even after stratification, germination was restricted to comparatively low temperatures.