Hesperochiron nanus
California Hesperochiron
Also published as Hesperochiron californicus. You are in the right place.
About the plant
What it is and where it grows — not part of any germination protocol.
- Habit
- Perennial, Forb/herbPLANTS Database
- Native range
- Native to the lower 48 statesPLANTS Database
Toxicity is noted only where a source states it. No note here is not a finding of safety.
Source: PLANTS Database — USDA NRCS.
Worth knowing
- John Lindley first described this plant in 1824 as Nicotiana nana. It is now Hesperochiron nanus, in the waterleaf family. Wikipedia: Hesperochiron nanus
This source reports two treatments. Both are shown.
Protocol 1
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1996Difficulty Low
Start around March 8, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
Gibberellic acid soak
Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C
No stated waiting before sowing. Then 28 days to germinate.
76% germination in 2–28 days.
Protocol 2
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1996Difficulty Moderate
Start around September 10, 2027 for a May 3 last frost. Too late for spring 2027 — that needed starting on September 9, 2026.
Cold moist stratification
Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C
6 germinated in this phase.
Warm moist stratification
Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C Light: dark
about 6 months from start to sowing. Then 28 days to germinate.
53% germination in 7–28 days.
How each step is done, in Deno’s words, and what Verified and Derived mean.