Seed propagation protocol for endangered Shivwits milk-vetch

Abstract

Shivwits milk-vetch (Astragalus ampullarioides Welsh [Fabaceae]) is an endangered plant endemic to southwestern Utah. As part of the recovery strategy, we initiated a small-scale augmentation project. We present our technique for propagating and outplanting Shivwits milk-vetch seedlings, which can be readily grown from seed under greenhouse conditions. Using this protocol we had a 63% germination rate, with two-thirds of germinants surviving the first growing season to then be out-planted.