Longstyle Sweetroot
Osmorhiza longistylis
- Native to:
- Canada, Prince Edward I., United States
Fritzflohrreynolds
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Apiaceae
- Genus:
- Osmorhiza
- Species:
- Osmorhiza longistylis
- USDA Symbol:
- OSLO
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 120 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- white
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers shaded woodland areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–120 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification and are best sown in fall for natural winter treatment. Germination can be erratic.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Seal the seeds in a bag or container with an equal mix of seeds and perlite or vermiculite. Add just enough water to barely saturate the mixture and store in a refrigerator or cold garage (42 degrees F) for at least 2 months. Cold store until planted (up to 3 years). Seeds are also warm and cold stratified.
Establishment: Seed is collected by hand from locally native plants within the eastern central Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The plant has a strong licorice odor when bruised. O. longistylis is found within temperate deciduous forests of North America.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Expose to fluctuating outdoor winter temps incl. freezing for 3 months. Increase light/temp in spring.