Now I know why germinating either Jeffersonia did not work.
And I had no idea on the ants role !
I have been routinely adding cinnamon to wild flower seeds so the ants won't carry off the tiny seeds. (Need to think about that )
Thanks for a good explanation.
I think Pulsatilla vulgare (prairie crocus) might act similarly.
I have received seeds moist packed for it too. But if I just scatter the fresh seeds----better results.