Compare softwood and hardwood cuttings for vegetative propagation, including timing and typical plants.

Compare softwood and hardwood cuttings for vegetative propagation, including timing and typical plants.

• A. Softwood cuttings are taken from last season's wood in late winter; hardwood cuttings are taken from current-season growth in late spring
• B. Softwood cuttings require leaves; hardwood cuttings are leafless
• C. Softwood cuttings root slowly; hardwood cuttings root quickly
• D. Softwood cuttings are taken from current-season growth in late spring to early summer; hardwood cuttings are taken from last season's wood in late winter to early spring; typical plants: hydrangea, rosemary; lilac, fig

Answer: (D)

Knowing when to take softwood versus hardwood cuttings and which plants fit each type is about matching the wood’s age and the plant’s dormancy to the propagation method. Softwood cuttings use current-season growth, taken in late spring to early summer when the new shoots are still soft and pliable. This timing and material tend to root readily but can be more delicate to handle. Hydrangea and rosemary are classic examples of plants that root well from softwood cuttings. Hardwood cuttings use last season’s mature wood, taken in late winter to early spring while the plant is dormant. The wood is harder and leafless, which makes the cuttings sturdier for handling and easier to store or ship until rooting begins in spring. Lilac and fig are typical plants propagated this way. The other options mix up the timing, leaf presence, rooting speed, or plant examples, which doesn’t align with the standard guidance for softwood and hardwood cuttings.

Knowing when to take softwood versus hardwood cuttings and which plants fit each type is about matching the wood’s age and the plant’s dormancy to the propagation method. Softwood cuttings use current-season growth, taken in late spring to early summer when the new shoots are still soft and pliable. This timing and material tend to root readily but can be more delicate to handle. Hydrangea and rosemary are classic examples of plants that root well from softwood cuttings.

Hardwood cuttings use last season’s mature wood, taken in late winter to early spring while the plant is dormant. The wood is harder and leafless, which makes the cuttings sturdier for handling and easier to store or ship until rooting begins in spring. Lilac and fig are typical plants propagated this way.

The other options mix up the timing, leaf presence, rooting speed, or plant examples, which doesn’t align with the standard guidance for softwood and hardwood cuttings.