Oplopanax horridus |
Syn. Echinopanax horridum
Syn. Fatsia horrida
Native Region: Pacific Northwest
Zone Range: 5-9
Preferred Climate: Semi shady sites; well draining evenly moist soil.
Harvest Date: Monday 03 August, 2009
Seed count: 15-20
Description:
An extremely bold member of the Ginseng family. Some would find this species intimidating with its 3 meter woody stalks armed with wicked thorns, but this plant is a beauty with its gorgeous huge green leaves, creamy flowering spikes and crimson berry clusters. Once used extensively by many West Coast First Nations as an important medicinal.
Notes:
Limited seed. This species is slowly being pushed out by habitat destruction. It takes forever for huge groves to form so be appreciative when you come across such a site when hiking and have to slide through the thorns to get to the other side. Please don't wildcraft unless you are saving plants from the plow AND will grow this in your or a friends garden. Truely underappreciated.
Cultivation:
Germination can be prolonged and erratic if seed is stored dry, perhaps this is the reason why people find germinating this species difficult. We do the super no-brainer easy: place seed in a 5x10 cm resealable baggie full of moist coarse sand. Mix. Place in fridge at 4 C. Seed collected August 2009 were sprouting in January 2010 without warm stratification period. Very rewarding technique whether you are an expert or novice. Prick out seedlings and transplant in humus rich medium enriched with greensand. Deeper the pot the better. DO NOT LET SEEDLINGS FREEZE!!! Let grow 2 years before seating in final position. I have pics to prove.
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