Contract Grower Native Rangeland Shrubs produced by ESRS
Calgary, Alberta, Native plant producer, ESRS has been producing native shrubs for government and corporation reclamation projectssince 1985.
Their expertise in harvesting and reproducing rangeland shrubs has made ESRS a top contract grower.SHRUBS
Most shrubs can be successfully propagated in a greenhouse setting, many from stem or root cuttings, others from seed. Just a few of these are described below.Buffalo-Berry – Shepherdia argenta/canadensis
Thorny buffalo-berry (Shep arg) is a small tree/ large shrub 3-6 m tall known for its fabulous tart berries and stiff, stout spines. It grows in the prairie and S. parkland regions along water courses. Canadian buffalo-berry grows in all regions except the prairies, common in dry conifer woods, on exposed slopes. Both species are valued by wildlife, have exceptional soil binding properties and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Propagation is best accomplished via stem cuttings.Cranberry/Blueberry Species – Vaccinium species
These are primarily small ground cover shrubs (some blueberries taller), many tolerant of shade and acidic soils and valued as ground cover in wooded regions. Propagation can be accomplished by root/stem cuttings or by seed.Juniper – Juniperus species
Local species are primarily low growing and creeping, providing excellent ground cover on exposed sites, on steep slopes and in acidic soils (J. horizontalis in particular is known to tolerate calcareous conditions). Propagation can be accomplished by cuttings and by seed.
Kinnikinnick – Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Another reclining creeping shrub, rooting above ground via horizontal stems. It is adapted to all but driest regions, useful on exposed slopes. Propagation is possible via root/stem cuttings, more slowly by seed.Pin/Choke Cherry – Prunus pensylvanica/virginana
Wild cherries are common, choke cherry the most widespread, variously adapted and pin cherry especially tolerant of sandy soils. Both are prized for ornamentals, for their fruit, and as site stabilizers on slopes and in light soil. Propagation via root and stem cuttings has so far proven more successful than by seed due to the hard seed coat and possible germ dormancy.Sage – Artemisia species
Most common locally is sagebrush or A. cana, a deep taprooted shrub 3-15 dm tall. It is common in prairie grassland, on eroded slopes, preferring light well drained soil. As well, it is alkali tolerant. Sage is valued as habitat and as antelope browse, also for its superior ability to stabilize steep slopes which can naturally be devoid of significant vegetation. Plants are best propagated by stem cuttings.Willows/Birch – Salix/Betula species
All species are primary for wildlife habitat and browse, also have exceptional soil stabilization properties. Because, in many areas, hybrids can be as common as parent species, best reproductive success is achieved through stem cuttings.Please direct production enquiries to Greenhouse@easternslopesrangelandseeds.com
or Call us at 1-403-637-2473