Ecology of Dodecatheon Meadia L. (Primulaceae) in Tennessee Glades and Woodland

Two populations of Dodecatheon meadia var. meadia L., one each in a woodland and a cedar glade habitat, were compared with respect to phenology and seed germination requirements. Differences between the two populations are earlier shoot appearance and flowering in woodland plants; longer persistence of capsules and greater total seed set in glade plants; greater tolerance of temperature extremes in glade plants; and stable size and density of the glade populations. Germination of woodland seeds was influenced by temperature, while length of cold pretreatment influenced rate and percentage of germination of glade seeds more than temperature. No correlation could be established between germination percentages and age of seeds. The two populations are interfertile, at least when glade plants furnish the pollen.