Life Sciences Commons^™

Understanding Factors Influencing Seed Germination Of Seven Wildflowers In Sub-Alpine Ecosystems, Alyssa Joy Brown

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the seed germination of seven wildflowers native to sub-alpine ecosystems. Wildflowers are an essential functional group in native plant ecosystems. Also known as forbs, these plants offer a myriad of benefits in addition to being aesthetically pleasing. They provide habitats for anthropods and small mammals, support native pollinator populations, and grow well with other plant functional groups (especially perennial grasses and shrubs). Healthy plant communities make use of the limited resources in our native ecosystems, competing with invasive species that can otherwise dominate the landscape. Germination involves the transition from seed to an actively growing plant. Following …