Lamb’s ear may be better green roof plant

Research presented at the recent World Green Roof Congress in London, England, indicates Stachys byzantina (lamb’s ear) may be instrumental in lowering the rising temperatures in cities and counteracting urban heat island effects. Royal Horticultural Society scientist Tijana Blanusa studied three broad-leafed perennial plants and a sedum mix. In the first year of her research S. byzantina (lamb’s ear) was found to significantly reduce the surrounding air temperature near the surface of the leaf by 1.5 degrees compared to bare, dry soil.
Earlier research in the United Kingdom has indicated that by increasing green space with parks, gardens and green roofs by 10% can reduce summer air temperatures by 4 degrees. Blanusa said that as the climate continues to become warmer gardeners will play an increasingly important role in helping to reduce the temperature rise. She said that it is particularly important to choose the right plants in urban locations since amount of space available for plantings is limited.

Pictured: Stachys byzantina (lamb’s ear) may be a better green roof plant since it has been found to significantly reduce the air temperature surrounding its leaves.
Photos courtesy of the Royal Horticultural Society