Bluebead
Clintonia borealis
- Native to:
- Canada, Labrador, Prince Edward I., United States
iNaturalist: © susanelliott (iNaturalist #49388189)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Liliaceae
- Genus:
- Clintonia
- Species:
- Clintonia borealis
- USDA Symbol:
- CLBO3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 40 cm
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, green
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 60–120 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–365 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require warm stratification followed by cold stratification; germination is slow and erratic, often taking a year or more.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Seeds are warm and cold stratified
Establishment: C. borealis is found within temperate deciduous forests of North America.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow immediately, Either the viability of these seeds is short or the species propagates best with fresh seed. Stored seed might be coaxed into germination with temperature cycling and patience. Expose to fluctuation outdoor winter temperatures including freezing for 3 months. Gradually increase light and temperature in the spring. Pulpy coat inhibits germination. Remove by soaking and rinsing in clean water for approximately 7 days. Discard water. * stored seed unlikely to germinate