| Many herbaceous
plants have underground stems called rhizomes. These can be used
to propagate plants in a manner similar to root cuttings. Rhizome
cuttings are best taken during the dormant season (late fall
through winter). Again, because this
technique can harm the parent plant, it should not be used in a
natural area unless it is slated for bulldozing.
1. With your hands or a hand
trowel, carefully dig around the plant to locate the rhizomes.
They will be white or pale, and smooth with buds and visible
roots (sort of a cross between a root and a stem).
2. Once located, severe the
rhizome from the parent plant and dig the segment up. Then cut
the rhizome into sections that are at least three inches in
length, making sure each section has at least two buds (buds
will be a bump or ridge).
3. Immediately plant the rhizome
sections horizontally in pots, flats, or on-site.
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Native plants that propagate well from rhizome cuttings:
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