Germination ecology of native plant species for use in restoration and the urban landscape in Nova Scotia, Canada

Abstract

In Nova Scotia, Canada, demand is high for native species for ecological restoration and use in the urban environment. The region has few native plant suppliers, however, which forces groups to seek resources outside their region or to grow their own vegetation. Collecting, storing, and germinating seeds facilitate access to large quantities of viable seeds for use in projects. We conducted 4 germination trials on 21 species native to Atlantic Canada. We examined germination response to various treatments including storage method (freshwater, dry, seeds, whole berries) and temperature (4 °C [39.2 °F]), −20 °C [−4 °F]), as well as germination irrigation treatments (saltwater, freshwater). Overall, we found that species preferred treatments that reflected their natural environment. Therefore, for Atlantic Canada, we recommend that species found in wet habitats should be stored in freshwater and species found in dry habitats should be stored dry, both conditions at 4 °C (39.2 °F).