Dark Green Bulrush (Scirpus atrovirens)

Difficulty: ⭐⭐☆☆☆

(Somewhat easy — abundant seed heads, but seeds are small and benefit from careful handling)

Seed Collection Time:

Late summer into early fall — typically August through September, after the seed clusters mature.

Signs Seeds are Ready:

• Large, dense, green-brown clusters of spikelets turn darker and begin to dry.

• Seeds inside the spikelets harden and turn brown to black.

• Spikelets become brittle and can be rubbed between fingers to release seeds.

• If shaken, mature heads release some seeds with ease.

Seed Collection Steps:

1. Cut entire seed heads when clusters are brown and beginning to loosen.

2. Place in a paper bag or tray and allow to air dry for 1–2 weeks.

3. Rub dried spikelets gently between hands or over a fine screen to free seeds.

4. Winnow or use a fine mesh sieve to separate seeds from chaff.

Germination Tips:

• Seeds benefit from cold-moist stratification for 60–90 days to break dormancy.

• Best results when sown outdoors in fall or artificially stratified in refrigeration.

C(60–90): Refrigerate in moist sand, peat, or vermiculite, or sow outdoors in fall for natural stratification.

• Seeds should be lightly pressed into soil or covered with a thin layer — they require consistent moisture but not direct light for germination.