Wholesale Greenhouse Producer of Native Rangeland Forbs
Calgary, Alberta, native plant and wildflower producer, ESRS have been producing rangeland forbs for land reclamation to government and major corporations since 1985. Their expertise in harvesting and reproducing forbs has made ESRS one of the top contract growers in their field.FORBS
Almost all forbs can be successfully grown as greenhouse plugs, initial propagation from seeds or roots. Stored seed of many species is reputed to decline in viability after about two years and some (legumes) have hard seed coats, natural germ dormancy, others such as many composites have fluffy seed that makes handling difficult.All forbs are very difficult to maintain in a plot setting unless plot size is small due to aggressive weedy forb invasion. With this in mind, it is not usually recommended that most be direct seeded in grass mixes in reclamation projects, but rather transplanted as plugs following adequate grass establishment and weed control. On-site seed collections prior to disturbance can ensure higher success in revegetation efforts.
Native Wildflower Orders
As a native wildflower nursery, ESRS produces many Alberta, British Columbia and North American wildflowers and would welcome enquiries from horticultural societies and garden centres looking for minimum orders of 100 plants.American Vetch – Vicia americana
A creeping and climbing legume, stems to 8 dm long, and flowers purple. The species has a wide distribution pattern and can be grown easily once seed is scarified.
Brown-eyed Susan – Gaillardia aristata
Found in all but driest habitats and widespread except in the N. parkland and boreal regions. A very attractive taprooted composite with broad yellow/purple-based flowers. Seed is relatively easy to handle as it lacks fluffy pappus.Canada Milk Vetch – Astragalus canadensis
This is a highly palatable and productive fescue grassland species, easier to grow from seed than several related milk vetches. Specialized treatment of the seed is necessary to initiate germination, but is competitive after successful germination.Drummond’s Milk Vetch – Astragalus drummondii
A widely distributed grassland species, growing in large bunches and reaching 4-8 dm tall. Plants are grey-woolly, flowers pale yellowish, in spikes. It is valued as a forage legume and for reclamation.Hedysarum – Hedysarum alpinum
One of several species native locally, widely distributed. Plants are 2-7 dm tall from spreading taproots, and have attractive pinkish flowers. Unlike most legumes direct seeding of pods will result in acceptable germination
Horse Mint – Monarda fistulosa
A strongly aromatic forb 3-7 dm tall with a conspicuous head of purple flowers. It is found in most regions except the prairies. The species is recommended for use in reclamation projects as it shows vigorous rhizome growth.Lupine – Lupinus argenteus
One of several native lupines recommended for reclamation and ornamental purposes. Plants are 5-10 dm tall, and flowers normally purplish but can range from white to pink. Lupines are restricted to southern regions with one annual (L. pusillus) recommended for reseeding in sandy sites.Milkweed – Asclepias speciosa – Showy Milkweed
A robust attractive plant .5-1 m tall, with broad, pale-velvety leaves and umbels of pink-purple flowers. It is common in the prairie region where it grows in moist locations. It has significant value in stabilizing soils along waterways and although toxic to most animals, is the primary and exclusive food plant of monarch butterflies.Prairie Cone-flower – Ratibida columnifera
Very attractive composites, taprooted, 3-6 dm tall. Flowers are unique, having an elongated columnar portion, with reflexed yellow or purple-tinged rays. It is a southern species readily grown from seed as it lacks the fluffy pappus. Cone-flower is related to Echinacea and has at least some immune-boosting properties.
Sticky Purple Geranium – Geranium viscosissimum
A robust taprooted perennial with characteristic geramiun odor, 3-9 dm tall, with attractive purple flowers. It is most common in S. foothills/cordillera, sporadic in other moist regions. It is one of our higher biomass forbs, also with acceptable ungulate forage value.Yarrow – Achillea millefolium
An aromatic composite 3-8 dm tall with fern-like leaves and stem capped by a flat-topped cluster of tiny white flowers. The species shows aggressive rhizome growth, and unlike most composites, lacks the fluffy seed typical of the family. A wide distribution implies that yarrow is useful in all but driest areas for revegetation work.Yellow Columbine – Aquilegia flavescens
A robust plant 2-8 dm tall, originating in the Rocky Mountain region but successfully grown elsewhere provided moisture is adequate. Flowers are yellow or pink-tinged and the species recommended for its ornamental properties.Please direct production enquiries to Greenhouse@easternslopesrangelandseeds.com or Call us at 1-403-637-2473