The ecological life cycle of Cryptotaenia canadensis (L.) DC. (Umbelliferae), a woodland herb with monocarpic ramets

Peak of flowering is in late May, and seeds ripen in late August and early September. Seeds have underdeveloped embryos and require cold stratification to come out of dormancy; thus, they have deep morphophysiological dormancy. In a nonheated greenhouse embryo length increased >85% (from 1.6-3.0 mm) during winter, and seeds germinated from early March to late April. Plants do not require vernalization for flowering; in the greenhouse they can flower within 10 wk after germination in spring. Thus, plants have the potential to behave as summer annuals. In the field, however, flowering is delayed until the 2nd yr, or later. Vegetative propagation occurs by production if ramets at the base of the stem. Ramets are monocarpic. Ramet buds are formed during early May, but they do not produce leaves and roots until late August and early September. Many ramets behave as winter annuals, growing during autumn, overwintering, and then growing, flowering, setting seeds and dying the following growing season. Any ramets that fail to reach the critical size for flowering remain vegetative throughout the growing season and survive to the next growing season. -from Authors