Eremocarpus setigerus (Hook.) Benth.
Doveweed, Turkey-mullein (syn. Croton setiger)
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Habit: Low, broad, gray, heavy-scented annual with stellate pubescence and longer stinging hairs. Monoecious. Seeds often eaten by doves and quail.
Distribution: Common in dry open places, coastal sage scrub, grassland, foothill and oak woodlands below 2500 feet; from California to Washington.
Seed unit: Free seed or one-seeded capsule.
Seed: 3 to 4 mm., smooth or ridged, scar not appendaged, gray or mottled.
Embryo: Linear embryo.
Purity instructions: Pure seed definition:
AOSA: PSU #30 – Intact fruit segment, whether or not a seed is present. Piece of broken fruit segment larger than one-half of the original size, unless no seed is present. Seed, with or without seed coat. Piece of broken seed, with or without seed coat, larger than one-half the original size.
Lab notes: Samples of this species usually contain mostly free seeds. However, some seeds may be tightly enclosed within one-seeded capsules, which are considered seed units.
Average pure seed units per gram: 175 seeds per gram (based on AOSA pure seed units only from 33 samples received for testing from 1992 to 2004).
Range of percent pure seed: 93 to 99%
Range of percent inert: 1 to 5%
Description of inert: Dirt, live insects, broken seed, plant material.
Planting instructions: 400 seeds, T, 21 days @ 20°C; for fresh and dormant seed, prechill recommended.
References: (link to main reference page)
Hickman, J.C., Ed. 1993. p. 573.
Munz, P.A. and D.D. Keck. 1968. p. 162.
Ransom Seed Laboratory
