Promising native forbs for seeding on mine spoils

Abstract

Twenty nine species of perennial forbs and 2 biennial forbs were directly seeded into coal mine spoil materials at Dickinson, North Dakota to determine which species would be most successful for direct seeding into coal mine spoil. Those which showed exceptionally good emergence and vigorous growth of seedlings in a two year study were: white prairie clover (Petalostemum candidurn), wild licorice (Glvcvrrhiza lepidota), prairie coneflower (Ratibida columnifera), blazing star (Liatris punctata) and long-leaved milkvetch (Astragalus ceramicus). Species with lesser but acceptable germination only were: white upland aster (Aster ptermicoides), purple coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia), early goldenrod (Solidago missouriensis), green milkvetch (Astragalus striatus), purple prairie-clover (Petalstemum purpureum) and evening star (Metzelia decapetala). Other species tested showed little to no germination and hence difficult to establish by direct seeding into coal mine spoil.

Citation

Bjugstad, Ardell J.; Whitman, Warren C. 1989. Promising native forbs for seeding on mine spoils. In: Wolters, Gale L.; Aldon, Earl R.; Donart, Gary B. Proceedings of the Conference Reclamation, a Global Perspective : held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, August 27-31, 1989. Report RRTAC 89-2. [Edmonton] : Alberta Land Conservation and Reclamation Council, Reclamation Research Technical Advisory Committee: 255-262