Seed increase protocol for rabbit ears gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata ssp. weberi) and yellow Indian paintbrush (Castilleja flava var. flava)

Abstract

The United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Coeur d’Alene Nursery seed increase program incorporates Regional Forest Service seed transfer protocols to ensure genetically appropriate seed sources are used for revegetation efforts. We have developed seed increase protocols for Region 2 US Forest Service Sensitive Species Ipomopsis aggregata (Pursh) V.E. Grant ssp. weberi V.E. Grant & Wilken (rabbit ears gilia [Polemoniaceae]) and hemiparasitic Castilleja flava S. Watson var. flava (yellow Indian paintbrush [Orobanchaceae]). Both species exhibit life history traits such as biennial habit, obligate outcrossing pollination strategy, and indeterminate capsule ripening or hemiparasitism, requiring development of efficient and less expensive seed increase methods.

Robertson N, Rhoades EO. 2023. Seed increase protocol for rabbit ears gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata ssp. weberi) and yellow Indian paintbrush (Castilleja flava var. flava). Native Plants Journal 24(1):54–60.