Field emergence of native boreal forest species on reclaimed sites in northeastern Alberta

Abstract

Direct sowing is an underutilized technique for establishing native species on reclaimed land in the mineable oil sands region of northeastern Alberta. This study evaluated the effect of sowing season (spring versus fall) and propagule type (clean seeds versus whole fruit) on emergence of 41 species. Species were sown on 3 disparate sites, each prepared in the standard method for that operation and time and having differing slopes and aspects. Of 41 species, 27 emerged at some level, and of these, 9 species established and were reproducing by seeds, tillers, or rhizomes. These 9 species were smooth blue aster (Symphyotrichum laeve (L.) Á. Löve & D. Löve [Asteraceae]); shrubby cinquefoil (Dasiphora fruticosa (L.) Rydb. [Rosaceae]) and wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana Duchesne [Rosaceae]), which emerged best from fall-sown seeds; fringed brome (Bromus ciliatus L. [Poaceae]); Canadian needle grass (Hesperostipa curtiseta (Hitchc.) Barkworth [Poaceae]); Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L. [Asteraceae]); Raup’s Indian paintbrush (Castilleja raupii Pennell [Orobanchaceae]) and prickly rose (Rosa acicularis Lindl. [Rosaceae]), which emerged equally well from seed broadcast during the fall as during the spring; and Mt Albert goldenrod (Solidago simplex Kunth [Asteraceae]), which emerged best from seed broadcast in the spring.