Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Melanthiaceae

Genus:

Stenanthium

Species:

Stenanthium densum

USDA Symbol:

ZIDE

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

150 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug

Bloom Colors:

white, greenish-white

Garden & Ecology Notes

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Occurs in fire-maintained pine savannas; benefits from periodic fire to reduce competition.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

moist, acidic, well-drained sandy loam

pH:

4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

requires good drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

prefers acidic, nutrient-poor soils typical of pine barrens

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days

Germination Time:

30–60 days

Notes:

Seeds require cold stratification for 60-90 days; sow in fall or after stratification in spring.