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near lakes, in the Puget lowlands of Washington, and
<br />• at mid-elevations in the Mountains. Seed ripens in
<br />late summer. Collection can be difficult due to poor
<br />or erratic seed production.
<br />•
<br />
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<br />Line drawing reprinted with
<br />permission, University of
<br />Washington Press
<br />
<br />Establishment:
<br />Bluejoint seed has
<br />no dormancy and
<br />germinates when
<br />fall or spring
<br />sown. The basal
<br />hairs on the seed
<br />should be removed
<br />with a debearder to
<br />improve seed flow.
<br />Hulls may be
<br />removed in the
<br />process, resulting
<br />in approximately 4
<br />million seeds/lb
<br />(+/- 20%). A
<br />seeding rate of 1/lb
<br />per acre will result
<br />in about 92 seeds
<br />per square foot.
<br />Because seed is
<br />expensive, it
<br />typically
<br />comprises 1 to 20
<br />percent of a
<br />wetland mix.
<br />Rates as low as
<br />0.03 to 0.06 lbs/ac
<br />are suggested.
<br />Rhizomes and
<br />plugs are more successful. One source recommends a
<br />spacing of 6, 12 or 18 inches for uniform aerial
<br />coverage in 1, 2 or 3 years. The planting density is
<br />3500 to 7000 plants/ac.
<br />Management: This species is sensitive to
<br />overgrazing in some regions and multiple cuttings
<br />can reduce forage yields. Foliage is most palatable
<br />when young, prior to seed head maturation.
<br />Coincidently, moist soil conditions may restrict
<br />spring grazing. Therefore, livestock utilization
<br />should be timed according to how dry the soils are
<br />and the stage of plant maturity.
<br />Weediness and control: This plant may become
<br />weedy or invasive in some regions or habitats and
<br />may exclude desirable vegetation if not properly
<br />managed. Methods of control for reforestation
<br />include using herbicide applications, biological
<br />control with diseases, minimal or specialized
<br />mechanical site preparation methods, and deep
<br />burning, hot fires. If bluejoint is a problem in your
<br />area, please consult your local NRCS, Extension
<br />Service, state forestry or agriculture department
<br />offices regarding the plants use and control measures.
<br />Environmental Concerns: Poor seed fill can occur
<br />in many populations. In contrast, regeneration and
<br />spread from seed and rhizomes can be highly prolific
<br />on moist sites in the northern boreal forests of
<br />Canada As a result, bluejoint is a serious competitor
<br />to white spruce seedlings and other conifer
<br />reforestation efforts in that region. After logging,
<br />light fires, or other disturbances, it can increase
<br />quickly, forming a complete stand with a thick layer
<br />of thatch that restricts establishment of other species.
<br />Bluejoint is a minor weed in cranberry bogs. When
<br />used for forage or hay, its value is limited by high
<br />silica content and a rapid loss of nutritional quality
<br />following seed head formation. Some strains are
<br />apparently susceptible to a fungal or bacterial disease
<br />of the stems called white top.
<br />Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials (and
<br />area of origin): Seed is expensive and sources
<br />specific to Oregon, Washington, and California are
<br />lacking. Nursery stock and seed are more readily
<br />available in other parts of the West, Midwest, and
<br />Northeast United States.
<br />Prepared By:
<br />Dale Darris, USDA NRCS Plant Materials Center,
<br />Corvallis, Oregon.
<br />Species Coordinator:
<br />Dale Darris, USDA NRCS Plant Materials Center,
<br />Corvallis, Oregon.
<br />Edited: 23mar2006 jsp, 16sept2008 dcd.; 080917jsp
<br />For more information about this and other plants, please contact
<br />your local NRCS field office or Conservation District, and visit the
<br />PLANTS Web site<h_ptt ://alants.usdagov> or the Plant Materials
<br />Program Web site <h_ptt ://Plant-Materials.nres.usda.gov>
<br />The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits
<br />discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of
<br />race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political
<br />beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all
<br />prohibited bases apply to all programs) Persons with disabilities
<br />who require alternative means for communication of program
<br />information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact
<br />USDA Is TARGRT Center at 201-720-2600 (voice and TDD).
<br />To,lile a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office
<br />of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 141h and
<br />Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call
<br />202-720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity
<br />provider and employer.
<br />Read about Civil Rights at the Natural Resources Conservation
<br />Service.
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