Aletris farinosa
Agueroot · Colicroot · Crow-corn
About the plant
What it is and where it grows — not part of any germination protocol.
- Habit
- Perennial, Forb/herbPLANTS Database
- Native range
- North AmericaGBIF Backbone Taxonomy
- Native range
- Canada, lower 48 statesPLANTS Database
Toxicity is noted only where a source states it. No note here is not a finding of safety.
Sources: PLANTS Database — USDA NRCS; GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — Global Biodiversity Information Facility.
This source reports three treatments. All are shown.
Protocol 1
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993Difficulty Low
Start around March 3, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
Sow on the surface — do not cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C Light: light
No stated waiting before sowing. Then 33 days to germinate.
90% germination — first up on day 31, then 80% a day.
Light is an absolute requirement: nothing germinates in the dark, with or without a cold period. Ten weeks in the dark beforehand halves the eventual germination, so the dark does active harm rather than merely nothing.
Protocol 2
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993Difficulty Low
Start around December 13, 2026 for a May 3 last frost.
Cold moist stratification
Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C
Sow on the surface — do not cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C Light: light
about 3 months from start to sowing. Then 23 days to germinate.
87% germination — first up on day 12, then 8% a day.
The cold period shortens the wait from a month to twelve days, at a slower rate once it starts.
Protocol 3
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C Light: dark
No stated waiting before sowing.
0% germination.
Nothing germinates in the dark.