Antennaria neglecta – Field Pussytoes
Pussytoes seeds are ready when the flowers give way to the fluffy seed heads. Collect after they begin to open but before they all blow away! Store dry in paper bags before processing.
Geum triflorum – Prairie Smoke
Prairie Smoke’s pink wispy flowers give way to feathery seeds which turn tan as they are ready to collect. They can be plucked off of the seed head to be stored.
Senecio aureus – Golden Ragwort
Golden ragwort causes skin reactions for most people, so it is advised to wear protective gear when touching it. Seeds are ready to be harvested when the flower turns to a puffball of seeds, at which time they can be snipped, shaken off of the stem, or pulled free.
Viola spp. – Violets
Once flowers are spent, they leave a seed pod that eventually will open, revealing the seeds. Clip stems or shake seeds free from the pod. There are several species native to Wayne County.
Geranium maculatum – Wild Geranium
Wild Geranium has sword shaped seed heads that shoot seeds away from the plant once they are fully ripened, leaving a chandelier shaped structure behind. Track the progress of the seed heads, and when they turn dark brown or black, clip the whole head before the seeds have launched and place in a paper bag. If you leave the bag on your desk or counter you can usually hear them ‘pop’.
Thalictrum dioicum – Early Meadow Rue
Early Meadow Rue’s flower spike slowly fades, leaving behind pods that will release seeds. Monitor, and when the pods open, shake seeds free.
Carex pennsylvanica – Penn Sedge
Penn sedge is notoriously difficult to germinate and does best sown fresh. But, if you would like to try, you can pluck reddish seed heads and remove the round beadlike seeds. Penn Sedge is best propagated by division.
A Note on Spring Ephemerals
Most spring ephemerals (Virginia Spring Beauty, Trout Lily, Cutleaf Toothwort, Bloodroot, etc.) that can be ready for collection in May are difficult to grow from seed and require specific stratification processes. Because of this difficulty, the effectiveness of collection and artificial germination is limited. If you plan to collect these species, be sure to know what the storage and stratification processes are beforehand. We don’t want to waste seeds from these precious spring bloomers!