American Sloughgrass
Beckmannia syzigachne
- Native to:
- Canada, China, Greenland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Korea, Kuril Is., Labrador, Nansei-shoto, Prince Edward I., Russia, Transcaucasus, United States
iNaturalist: © zackharris (iNaturalist #30450853)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Beckmannia
- Species:
- Beckmannia syzigachne
- USDA Symbol:
- BESY
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- waterfowl, seed-eating birds
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, fertile, silty or clayey soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in wet meadows and marshes
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Requires light for germination and moist conditions; seeds can germinate underwater or in saturated soil.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Alternating day/night temperatures with no prechill or a 7 day prechill at 38-40 degrees Fahrenheit. Direct sowing into containers in the greenhouse without prechill or alternating temperatures also possible. Avoid 30 days of cold, moist stratification as it reduces germination.
Establishment: Germination rates and optimal conditions may vary based on regional seed origin. South Dakota seed germinates in the spring and light enhances germination. Northeastern Montana seed germinates best with alternating temperatures and can germinate in the dark. Alaskan seed germinates best under laboratory conditions with a 5-7 day prechill and 0.2% KNO3. Seed ripens from mid-July to early August.
Source: npn.rngr.net