Nodding Microseris
Microseris nutans
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
Thayne Tuason
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Microseris
- Species:
- Microseris nutans
- USDA Symbol:
- MINU
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from taproot following fire; common in fire-maintained grasslands and open forests.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers open, sunny habitats
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily with cold stratification; light may improve germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: 90 or more days of cool, moist stratification maximizes germination. Seed can germinate in cool temperatures.
Establishment: Seed is collected when the pappus begins to expand, usually in June. Daily collections are needed to maximize volume. Seed is stored in paper bags at room temperature until cleaned. Seed should be stored loosely in bags.
Source: npn.rngr.net