Species
Fringecup,
Tellima grandiflora (Pursh) Dougl. ex
Lindl.
Perennial forb with short rhizomes, leaves lightly
hairy arising basally, cordate 5-8 cm wide shallowly 5-7 lobed and coarsely
toothed, flowers greenish-white to reddish, fragrant, 5 pinnately divided
petals, racemose inflorescence of 10-35, fruits capsules 10 mm long with
numerous seeds. (2, 4)
Range
Moist
woods, streambanks and lower mountain slopes from
Climate, elevation
Predominantly
Pacific maritime climate but also found in moister zones of interior
continental climate. Common from sea level to 1000 m. (2, 4)
Local
occurrence
Moist
forest understories and streambanks throughout
Habitat preferences
Moist,
shady coniferous and deciduous forests, shaded riparian zones (2, 4)
Plant strategy type/successional stage
Not
specifically found in literature. Appears to be associated with more mature
forests. Probably not an early successional but does form thick monotypic
patches in forest gaps, along streambanks and low elevation hiking trails
indicating that it can take advantage of disturbance and therefore may be
considered ruderal. (2, 4)
Associated species
Widely
associated with both deciduous and coniferous forests throughout its range.
Commonly found locally beneath red alder (Alnus
rubra), big-leaf maple (Acer
macrophyllum), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), western red
cedar (Thuja plicata), black
cottonwood and western hemlock (Tsuga
heterophylla). Often found associated with sword fern (Polystichum munitum), salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis), thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus), red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa),
May be collected as:
Seed
– flowers bloom April through June, fruits probably ripe by mid-summer (1, 2,
3, 4)
Divisions
– clump portions with ample roots in fall to late winter (1, 2, 3, 4)
Collection restrictions or guidelines
Typical
conservative collection methods for genetic integrity and minimal ecosystem
impact apply.
Seed germination
Need
for stratification not noted in literature. Like many
Seed life (can be stored, short
shelf-life, long shelf-life)
Seed
has been noted that it can be stored at low humidity, low temperature
conditions but without specifics of shelf-life or temperature. (3)
Recommended seed storage conditions
Typical
low temp, low humidity conditions (3)
Propagation recommendations
No
particular propagation method recommended in literature. Seed would yield
greater numbers of individuals with lower impact. Divisions most likely could
be installed same season or potted for more mature plants the next season.
Soil or medium requirements
Standard
germination mix for seeds and standard potting mix for germinants and
divisions. (3)
Installation form
Fresh
collected divisions could be installed immediately especially in late
fall/winter. No references were made in the literature to direct seeding.
Germinants ready to plant after first year as 4 inch pots.
Recommended planting density
As
with most groundcovers denser plantings 30 cm or less apart result in more
complete cover sooner. (1)
Care requirements after installed
Based
on habitat preference, If installation site is not consistently moist
consistent watering during summer and other dry periods crucial. Weekly
watering if not daily during especially dry periods.
Normal rate of growth or spread;
lifespan
Not
noted in literature. Like most perennials that grow vegetatively they most
likely persist clonally for long but unknown periods of time. Fringecup has
been noted to be a fast grower in suitable conditions.
Sources cited
1)
Dave’s Garden,
Inc. 2003. Plants Database. http://www.plantsdatabase.com
2)
Hitchcock, C.
Leo and Cronquist, Arthur. Flora of the
3)
Native Plants
Journal and Network. http://www.nativeplantsnetwork.org
.
4)
Pojar, Jim and
McKinnon, Andy, eds. Plants of the
5)
USDA, NRCS.
2002. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.5 (http://plants.usda.gov)
Data compiled by
Rodney
Pond 04.20.03