Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Green roof research growing

Provided

The green roof concept is gaining traction with builders and the eco-conscious but a successful green roof requires more than just planting some vegetation.

A University of Cincinnati pilot study finds some native plants are more successful in our climate than others.

Student Jill Bader and Assistant biology professor Ishi Buffam were surprised to discover a member of the onion family fared best.

"It looks delicate, I think. The foliage is long and thin and it has a very delicate flower. It doesn't look tough but it is," says Bader.

"It stores a lot of water in the bulb," says Buffam. "It has a storage capacity to withstand a drought and that's its trick."

The researchers say other native plants don't tend to fare as well, though various sedum varieties do.

Read more about Bader and Buffam's work here.

Senior Editor and reporter at WVXU with more than 20 years experience in public radio; formerly news and public affairs producer with WMUB. Would really like to meet your dog.