Propagation and Establishment of Rat Root

The development of diverse assemblages of flora around and within reclaimed wetlands in the Oil Sands Region of northeastern Alberta is an important factor in building sustainability. Many native plants colonize naturally; however, natural ingress of rat root (a critical plant for First Nations People and traditional land users) has not been observed on created or disturbed wetlands. This research aims to characterize the natural habitat of rat root at several sites and investigate and test the placement of naturally produced seeds, vegetative propagation from rhizomes, and direct placement of cuttings or seedings.

Rat Root habitats were identified at seven locations around the northeastern Alberta Oil Sands Region. The plant grows both in wet soil and in water as floating mats. Wild plants produce plentiful viable seeds that require light to germinate. As seeds age, higher temperatures promote germination (tested up to two years). Rhizome cuttings are prolific, propagate well, and are less prone to predation than seedlings. Both recycled plastic foam and polyethylene mesh were successfully tested as substrates. Two main causes of plant loss included predation and wave action/flooding.