Not TOW - Gymnospermium
James Waddick (Thu, 20 Feb 2003 06:21:09 PST)

Dear al;
Thanks for the responses about this curiosity. It is either
more widely grown than I had thought or just is odd enough to bring
about responses. Arnol, nice picture, but other readers should be
reminded that each flower is only about 1/2 inch across.

Arnold and I seem to be the only ones who grow this in the
ground. It is VERY HARDY even now in its tender seeming stage of
growth it experiences temps down to the mid 20s every night.

I have only had seed produced one year and no obvious
seedlings. My single tuber is producing 4 stems this year. Since I
haven't dug it I assumed it was multiplying underground, but most say
the tuber does not divide. Does the tuber produce multiple stems?
Mine has been outdoors in the ground for at least 5 years. Maybe this
summer I'll dig it up and see what's going on down there.

Incidentally the genus and relatives are covered somewhat
briefly in the new book on Epimedium (same Family) by Timber Press.

If any of these other species ever produce spare seed, I
enjoy surprises!!

Best and thanks for all the comments Jim W.
--
Dr. James W. Waddick
8871 NW Brostrom Rd.
Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711
USA
Ph. 816-746-1949
E-fax 419-781-8594

Zone 5 Record low -23F
Summer 100F +