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Native Plant Propagation Guidelines:
forbs

Crocidium multicaule (gold star)

Category: 
forbs

(photo by Dave Polster)

Delicate, several-stemmed annual, 5-30 cm tall, hairless except for loose cottony tufts in the axils of smooth, slightly fleshy leaves. Basal leaves are spatulate, while stem leaves are narrow and alternate; all leaves are entire or few-toothed. Flower heads have bright-yellow central discs, 8-13 ray flowers 4-10 mm long and a conic receptacle (Pojar and MacKinnon, 1994). Photo by Dave Polster.

Scientific Name: 

Crocidium multicaule Hook.

Family: 
Asteraceae
English Name: 
gold star

Geographical Range and Habitat Requirements

Ecological Setting: 

Early-flowering species on sandy flats, cliff ledges, rock outcrops and other dry open sites at low elevation. Scattered from southwestern BC south to California (Pojar and MacKinnon, 1994).

Soil Texture: 

Coarse textured and well drained.

Nutrients: 

Low nutrient status.

Soil Reaction and Salinity: 

Neutral to mildly alkaline pH.

Moisture Regime: 

Dry to fresh.

Shade Tolerance: 

Shade intolerant.

Successional Status: 

Early seral on moister sites, climax on dry exposed sites.

BEC Zone and GOE Community Status: 

Dry rocky sites in Garry-oak ecosystems.

Uses

Site Rehabilitation: 

Possible application as a reclamation species on dry open sites.

Wildlife: 
n/a
Landscaping: 

Possible showy annual for massed plantings in the dry garden.

First Nations: 
n/a
Other Uses: 
n/a

Seed Propagation

Flowering Time: 
n/a
Fruit Ripening Time: 

June - July

Seed Collection Time: 

July-August

Crop Intervals: 

Annual

Number of Seeds per Kilogram: 
n/a
Seed Viability: 
n/a
Fruit and Seed Collection and Extraction: 

Hand pick mature flower heads into paper bags for drying. Rub or thresh to separate seeds from the remaining flower parts. Winnow and screen to remove debris.

Seed Storage: 
n/a
Fruit/Seed Dormancy and Treatment: 

No information. Use fall sowing until more is known about dormancy.

Vegetative Propagation

n/a

Outplanting Characteristics and Requirements

n/a

Seed and Cutting Propagation Techniques

n/a

Additional Information and Photos

For more information and pictures, visit the E-Flora BC website at www.eflora.bc.ca