Native Forbs Produce High Quality Seeds on Chicago Green Roofs

Ksiazek, Kelly; Fant, Jeremie B.; Skogen, Krissa A.

doi:10.46534/jliv.2014.01.02.021

Cited by 4 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…The physical characteristics of green roof substrates are necessary to prevent the retention of excess water, which adds additional weight, possibly exceeding roof load capacity (Ampim et al, 2010). The substrates are designed to retain sufficient moisture for plant growth, but appear to be poorly suited for seed germination, findings consistent with those of Ksiasek et al (2014) andMcDavid (2012). Even short-term dehydration, which would occur in the large, open pore spaces of green roof substrates, may be fatal for the germinating seed (Drzal et al, 1999).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 70%

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Physical Characteristics of and Seed Germination in Commercial Green Roof Substrates

Harp¹,

Chen²,

Jones³

2015

hortte

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Green roofs provide multiple environmental and economic benefits, such as roof surface temperature reduction, reduced internal cooling needs, storm water management, and extended life span of roofing materials. However, green roof substrates must be relatively lightweight, so it is typically coarse with limited water holding capacity. We hypothesize the physical characteristics that make the substrates successful on a roof are likely to reduce seed germination. For this study, we tested the germination of three perennial species and one annual: shasta daisy (Leucanthemum ×superbum), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), and indian blanket (Gaillardia pulchella), and pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) (as a control) across five different substrates: peat/perlite/large expanded shale, compost/sand/expanded shale, compost/black dirt/expanded shale, compost/expanded shale, and peat/perlite (control). Substrate physical and chemical properties were analyzed, and a germination test conducted using a randomized complete block design, with each species/substrate combination appearing once per block. Germination was defined as seedling emergence, and monitored every 7 days for 28 days. Pinto bean had the highest germination (76.2%) across all substrates, compared with 43.4% for indian blanket, 40.4% for yarrow, and 23.0% for shasta daisy. Seed germination, across all species, was lower in green roof substrates. Germination success was very strongly correlated with seed length, seed width, and seed area, while no relationship was found between seed germination and substrate pH or electrical conductivity (EC). Therefore, it is likely that the physical characteristics of green roof substrates create poor conditions for seed germination.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 70%

“…However, plant population maintenance, especially for annuals and short-lived perennials, relies on either replanting or the success and growth of Units seeds. Ksiasek et al (2014) confirmed that green roof plants are capable of producing viable seed. However, few plants produce successful seedlings (Hopman, 2011).…”

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confidence: 71%

Physical Characteristics of and Seed Germination in Commercial Green Roof Substrates

Harp¹,

Chen²,

Jones³

2015

hortte

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“…Scientists and practitioners across North America have been investigating additional options for green roof plants since the turn of the century (Bousselot et al 2010;Ksiazek et al 2014;Lundholm et al 2010;MacIvor and Lundholm 2011;Monterusso et al 2005;Schneider et al 2014;Snodgrass and Snodgrass 2006;Sutton et al 2012). There is a strong emphasis on native plant evaluations (Bousselot et al 2010;Ksiazek et al 2014;Lundholm et al 2010;MacIvor and Lundholm 2011;Monterusso et al 2005;Schneider et al 2014;Sutton et al 2012) with the results being mixed as Butler et al (2012) points out.…”

Section: Plant Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…More recently, increasing biodiversity of green roof plant community structure has come into focus (Cook-Patton and Bauerle 2012; Dvorak and Volder 2010). Specifically, the use of native plant species on green roofs has been explored (Bousselot et al 2010;Ksiazek et al 2014;Lundholm et al 2010;Decker et al 2015) with mixed results (Butler et al 2012). Native C4 graminoid dominant and C3 graminoid and forb dominant roofs in New York (Aloisio et al 2019) and prairie grasses mixed with Sedum spp.…”

Section: Biodiversitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Green Roof Research in North America: A Recent History and Future Strategies

Bousselot¹,

Russell²,

Tolderlund³

et al. 2020

JLIV

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Since the year 2000, green roof and living architecture research has progressed significantly in North America. For future growth in the implementation of living architecture, there is still a great need for additional and expanded research on green roofs and as yet undefined innovative J. of Living Arch 7(1) Feature 28 green infrastructure. This paper provides an overview of priority topics that have been critical to past success in green roofs, and those that are promising but need future investment, including urban heat island (UHI), energy savings, stormwater (quantity and quality), substrates, carbon budgets, plants, biodiversity, ecomimicry, biodispersal, long-term dynamics, urban food production, synergy with solar panels and financing green solutions.

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