Natural habitat disturbances are increasing on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. At present, there is little choice for plant material to use in reclaiming these disturbances since many available grasses and legumes are not adapted to survive or reproduce in the harsh environment at high elevations. The introduction of adapted agronomic plants is a concern because these are often persistent and invasive; they hinder natural succession and can replace indigenous species in natural areas.
In 1990 Wild Rose Consulting Inc. and Alberta Environment Centre began a four year project to collect, evaluate, select, and multiply native legume species for use in reclamation seed mixtures. Fourteen legumes were collected from the mountains and grown in nursery plots in Vegreville. Data concerning establishment, growth and development, yield, and germination were recorded. These data were used to make preliminary selections of five legumes that have potential for use in reclamation seed mixtures. Final selection(s) will be made following one more year of data collection, and these will be tested at several mine sites in the mountains and foothills of Alberta.
Alpine milkvetch appears to have the best potential of the fourteen species studied. It survived well, grew vigorously, spread to cover relatively large areas, and produced large quantities of viable seed. It also emerged well in seeding trials. Other species that have some potential include purple milkvetch, reflexed locoweed, yellow locoweed, and showy locoweed.