It’s been another busy winter of propagating—hundreds of cuttings have been set and seeds sown. We have seven different sages (Salvia spp.) growing from both cuttings and seeds, and six species of wild buckwheats (Eriogonum spp.) from seed. Several batches of silver bush lupines are growing fast at various volunteers’ home nurseries.
We’re having great success with a few new plants: the Sierra bladdernut (Staphylea bolanderi) seedlings finally germinated and are now growing fast with the spring warmth and light. Also new for us is Nevin’s barberry (Berberis nevinii)—a rare and spectacular shrub of southern California that grows well in Redding.
Other new plants this season include the delicious blackcap raspberry (Rubus leucodermis), and several herbaceous plants, including yellow-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium californicum), giant blazingstar (Mentzelia laevicaulis), beethistle (Eryngium articulatum), and fingertips dudleya (Dudleya edulis).
A couple of these species and many more will be available at our upcoming Spring 2021 Native Plant Sale. Date still to be announced, but you can check out our offerings beforehand by downloading our Online 2021 Spring Plant Availability List. Enjoy!
~Margaret Widdowson, Plant Propagation Chair