Relative Germination of Spotted and Nonspotted Bitterbrush Seed

Abstract

Bitterbrush seed is being collected to establish stands of this valuable shrub on big-game ranges in the Western United States. Examination of seed often reveals dark spots on the seed coat. The cause of this spotting is unknown. In germination tests, these spotted seeds were found to be damaged; the germinative capacity was 50 to 82% of that of unspotted seed. Seed collectors and users should therefore recognize this as lower quality seed.