Seeds for biodiverse roofs

The biodiversity and varied appearance of plants on a biodiversity roof is ensured by a wide range of wildflower and herb seeds. These seeds can be sown individually or in mixtures, planted in areas with different desired colors, or in a preferred blend, allowing creative color play.

Below we present with descriptions the plants whose seeds can be chosen and varied for a customized mix used on a biodiversity roof.

Wildflowers:

Achillea millefolium – Yarrow
A perennial aromatic plant with pinnate leaves and many small white flowers arranged in an umbrella shape. In most wild species, pink individuals can also appear. Yarrow grows in plains up to subalpine regions and on a wide range of soils. It can also be found among short grasses or unmanaged wild meadows, such as roadside edges, and tolerates light shade in orchards or along hedges. Yarrow germinates freely and can be sown any time of the year when growth conditions are favorable. It can grow quite fast in deep fertile soil.

Achillea ptarmica – Sneezewort
A perennial plant with a stem about 60 cm tall, which dies back in winter. Flowers are composed of short nearly white petals surrounding a yellow-brown central disk. Blooms from July to September. Grows in wet areas on a wide range of soils, from neutral to slightly acidic, in marshes, wet meadows, along streams, and sometimes in wet forests. Open flowers attract a wide range of pollinating insects. Sneezewort germinates freely and can be sown any time, although in nature it germinates in autumn. Once established in soil, reseeding is not required. Attractive and commonly used as a garden plant.

Adonis annua – Pheasant’s eye
An annual plant with light green, delicate leaves on a branched stem reaching 50 cm. Distinctive flowers with dark red petals surrounding a black central disk, resembling a miniature anemone, 15-25 mm in size. Typically blooms June-July, producing about 30 olive-green seeds per plant. Seeds remain viable for several years and usually germinate in autumn or sometimes spring. Can be included in a seed mix or grown as an annual garden plant. Best sown from late August to April in calcareous, non-clay soils.

Agrimonia eupatoria – Common agrimony
A medium to tall perennial plant with erect stems, pinnate leaves with deep veins, and yellow five-petaled flowers blooming June-August. Each flower develops into a brown woody fruit with deep grooves. The plant is slightly aromatic, flowers have a faint apricot scent. Tolerates a wide range of soils from rich to neutral, well-drained. Found in meadows, pastures, forest edges, and roadsides. Seeds can be sown in spring or autumn, cold stratification may help germination but is not essential. Common in most seed mixes, except in deep shade or wet acidic soils.

Agrostemma githago – Corncockle
An annual plant up to 1 m tall with long narrow slightly hairy leaves. Large pink-purple flowers (over 3.5 cm) grow singly on the long stem, surrounded by pointed sepals. Post-flowering, a yellow capsule forms containing 3.5 mm black seeds with a rough texture. Tolerates many soils, commonly found in cereal crops, especially wheat. Seeds can be sown in autumn or spring. Prefers well-drained sandy soil and requires open fields for annual cultivation.

Alchemilla glabra – Lady’s mantle
Attractive perennial with basal palmate-lobed leaves and small yellow-green flowers. Leaves are hairless. Found in neutral grasslands, meadows, roadsides, and mountain foothills; prefers moist soil. Seeds can be sown anytime, best sown in spring in seed trays.

Alisma plantago-aquatica – Water plantain
Tall perennial (up to 1 m) with small lilac flowers opening from noon until evening. Broad lanceolate leaves with rounded base. Fruits form a closed ring. Grows along pond edges and ditches. Produces prolific seeds that can persist in soil for years.

Alliaria petiolata – Garlic mustard
Medium to tall biennial or short-lived perennial with small white flowers, yellow in center, blooms April-June. Produces long green pods with seeds from July. Leaves are heart-shaped and smell of garlic. Grows along hedges, forests, and riverbanks. Seeds can be sown anytime; autumn sowing recommended for spreading in weedy areas.

Allium ursinum – Wild garlic
Short perennial bulb forming a round head of star-shaped white flowers April-June. Stem 10-50 cm, glossy lanceolate leaves. Strong garlic scent when crushed. Prefers moist, well-drained forest soils, shaded areas. Reproduces mainly by seeds. Sowing in shaded areas in late summer or autumn is recommended.

Angelica sylvestris – Wild angelica
Tall biennial or short-lived perennial aromatic plant. White flowers often tinged pink, umbrella-shaped, blooms June-September. Divided glossy leaves, flat oval fruits with thin wings for wind dispersal. Thrives in a variety of habitats, low maintenance.

Anthemis austriaca – Austrian chamomile
Daisy-like composite flowers with finely divided leaves. Blooms early June to late September. Provides pollen and nectar for a wide range of insects. Easily grown from seeds on most soils, prefers slightly calcareous or sandy soil.

Anthriscus sylvestris – Cow parsley
A common herbaceous plant found along roadsides with a characteristic scent. Hollow stem, turning purplish with age, green pinnate leaves. White umbrella-shaped flowers bloom April-June, producing smooth black seeds. Perennial short-lived, prefers fertile, moist, or partially shaded soil. Can be propagated by seed or basal leaf cuttings. Sowing recommended late summer or autumn.

Anthyllis vulneraria – Kidney vetch
A small to medium perennial herb with silky pinnate leaves and many small clustered yellow-gold flowers. Blooms June-September. Found on drained, calcareous soils, meadows, rocky areas, and coastal gravel/dunes. Best sown in autumn.

Arctium minus – Lesser burdock
Tall plant with broad leaves, hollow stems, violet tubular flowers July-September. Flowers surrounded by hooked bracts that attach to animal fur for seed dispersal. Found near forest edges, fields, and roadsides. Matures in 2-4 years. Can be sown any time of the year.

Arum maculatum – Lords-and-ladies
Flowers form a tubular violet-brown structure, close to the ground, surrounded by large dark green leaves. Blooms April-May, producing red-orange toxic berries. Prefers fertile forest soils in semi-shade, slow-growing, may take 7 years to flower. Sowing recommended in autumn.

Barbarea vulgaris – Winter cress
Biennial or short-lived perennial, 30-60 cm tall. Small yellow flowers April-July, dark green glossy basal leaves. Grows in moist, non-acidic soils along rivers, ditches, roadsides. Autumn sowing recommended for cold stratification.

Betonica officinalis (Stachys officinalis) – Betony
Medium-height perennial with violet-red, occasionally white flowers June-October. Fuzzy, toothed leaves. Prefers slightly calcareous, moist soils, unmanaged meadows. Sowing late summer or autumn recommended.

Bupleurum rotundifolium – Hare’s ear
Annual plant grown for ornamental flowers and leaves. Yellow-green flowers in umbels bloom June-July. Can grow on a wide range of soils but needs autumn reseeding. Most seeds germinate October-November, some in spring.

Caltha palustris – Marsh marigold
Medium-height perennial, glossy yellow 5-8 petal flowers March-June. Thick green reniform leaves on long stems. Lives up to 50 years, prefers wet, alkaline to neutral soils. Seeds should be sown in autumn.

Campanula glomerata – Clustered bellflower
Unbranched perennial, 30-60 cm (up to 80 cm), bell-shaped flowers June-October. Prefers fertile, calcareous, well-drained soils. Found in rocky outcrops, clearings, meadows. Best sown in autumn.

Campanula trachelium – Nettle-leaved bellflower
Perennial herb, erect stem 50-100 cm. Basal leaves 6-10 cm, petiolate, toothed; upper leaves smaller, lanceolate. Blooms June-September. Prefers dry calcareous soils but adaptable. Can be sown any time.

Capsella bursa-pastoris – Shepherd’s purse
Small plant, up to 20 cm, fine branches along stem. Basal leaves lanceolate and toothed. White flowers in sparse racemes. Seeds heart-shaped, flat, attached to branch tips. Grows in nutrient-rich soils, gardens, meadows. Sow in autumn for cold stratification.

Cardamine hirsuta – Hairy bittercress
Small annual from the cabbage family. Dark green basal rosette, pinnate leaves, short stem ending in small white flowers that form narrow capsules. Blooms February-November, peak in April. Prefers sandy, well-drained, or dry calcareous soils. Ideal for roof seed mixes. Sow autumn or any time.

Carlina vulgaris
Short, rough, very spiny perennial with yellow-brown flower surrounded by straw-colored bracts. Blooms mid-summer to autumn; flowers remain visually unchanged even in winter. Grows on dry, infertile, calcareous soils. Seeds germinate quickly; best sown in autumn or early spring.

Centaurea cyanus – Cornflower
Annual herb, erect 0.5-1m, simple or branched green stem, alternate narrow leaves 8-9 cm, silky-haired. Flowers in capitula surrounded by green bracts with brown teeth. Marginal flowers funnel-shaped with 5 teeth, central smaller. Prefers sandy to calcareous soils. Can grow well from spring-sown seeds.

Centaurea nigra
Perennial Asteraceae, up to 1 m, lobed hairy leaves up to 25 cm. Blooms June-September, flowers violet or sometimes white. Prefers low to moderately fertile soils, absent from very wet or acidic soils. Habitats: meadows, field edges, roadsides, forest edges. Attracts butterflies and bees. Seeds germinate quickly anytime.

Centaurea scabiosa – Greater knapweed
Large violet flowers, similar to Centaurea nigra, but larger heads and different habitat needs. Blooms July-September. Perennial, medium to tall, grows in various meadows, forest edges, dry calcareous soils. Provides important food for pollinators. Seeds germinate quickly anytime.

Chaerophyllum temulum
Similar to cow parsley but with sparser coverage. Blooms late, rough purplish spotted stem. Flowers late May-July, attract pollinators. Biennial or monocarpic perennial, grows in meadows, hedgerows, forest edges, road edges. Prefers semi-shade but tolerates sun, not deep shade. Tolerates various soils, less common in wet acidic soils.

Chelidonium majus – Greater celandine
Medium-height, bushy perennial with gray-green pinnate leaves. Yellow flowers April-early October. Seed capsules appear post-flowering, glossy black seeds. Common in shady, ruderal areas, bushes, and mountain regions. Best sown late summer or autumn.

Clinopodium vulgare – Wild basil
Small to medium Lamiaceae, pink flowers July-September. Oval, slightly toothed leaves. Best sown in dry calcareous soils in autumn.

Comarum palustre – Marsh cinquefoil
Small perennial, violet 5-petal flowers May-July. Best sown in seed trays early spring or autumn, transplant to final location late spring/early summer.

Cruciata laevipes
Perennial, with sessile leaves along stem, small pale yellow 4-petal flowers just above leaves. Prefers moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to calcareous soils. Best sown in autumn for cold stratification.

Cynoglossum officinale – Houndstongue
Biennial, gray-fuzzy plant with lanceolate leaves, clusters of red-brown flowers May-August. Prefers dry, nutrient-rich soils. Stabilizes easily from autumn or spring sown seeds.

Dactylorhiza fuchsii – Common spotted orchid
Attractive perennial, small to medium height, pale pink orchid-like flowers late May-August. Prefers calcareous to neutral soils, found in meadows, pastures, forests, marshes. Sow in autumn.

Daucus carota – Wild carrot
Umbellifer, flat umbrella-shaped flowers, blooms June-September, mostly white with occasional dark red center. Biennial, grows on infertile, drained, calcareous soils. Sow in autumn after cold period.

Dianthus armeria – Deptford pink
Attractive biennial or short-lived perennial, light pink flowers with darker/lighter spots, surrounded by long narrow bracts. Blooms June-August. Easy from seed, sow any time.

Digitalis purpurea – Foxglove
Iconic biennial or short-lived perennial, basal soft fuzzy leaves, erect stem with purple-pink (sometimes white) flowers. Easy from seed, sow any time.

Dipsacus fullonum – Teasel
It is a robust biennial plant that can grow up to 180 cm or more. All parts of the plant are covered with spines: leaves, stem, and the egg-shaped flower heads. It grows in pastures, forest edges, bushes, hedgerows, and roadside margins on a wide range of soils. To prevent it from becoming invasive, it is best planted in a corner, and before the seeds mature, the plant can be cut.

Dipsacus pilosus – Small Teasel
A tall, attractive biennial plant, similar in height to its relatives but more widespread, with smaller, globular white flowers with violet anthers and woolly spines. It blooms from July to September. Prefers moist, calcareous soils, especially along forest edges and clearings, but also grows along hedgerows, riverbanks, and watercourses. Seeds are best sown in autumn, but can be cultivated any time of the year.

Echium vulgare – Viper’s Bugloss
A distinctive biennial plant of medium to tall height with an unbranched stem and flowers arranged in a cylindrical panicle, initially pink, later turning blue, or sometimes white. It blooms from June to September. Grows in well-drained pastures, cultivated lands, along roads and railways, on rocks, and sandy dunes. Seeds can be sown at any time of the year.

Epilobium tetragonum – Square-stemmed Willowherb
A common perennial plant found in gardens and uncultivated areas. The flowers are pink with four notched petals and eight stamens. It grows in both moist and dry soils in gardens, forest edges, and pits. It develops easily from seeds, which can be sown in autumn or spring.

Epipactis palustris – Marsh Helleborine
Probably one of the most impressive orchids that can be found in the UK. The reddish stem grows up to about 50 cm, with broad basal leaves narrowing towards the tip. The inflorescence consists of about 20 relatively large flowers with white petals with yellow spots, supported by pinkish-brown sepals. It usually blooms from late June to mid-August. Seeds should be sown in moist, calcareous soil in late autumn.

Eryngium maritimum – Sea Holly
An unmistakable perennial plant with stiff, spiny, blue-green leaves with white-silver veins. Small blue-violet flowers are clustered on a round head, supported by large spiny bracts. The hairless stem often has a violet tinge. Blooms from June to September. A medium-height plant growing in groups on sand dunes, coastal areas, sometimes on shingle. Seeds are best sown in autumn.

Eupatorium cannabinum – Hemp Agrimony
A tall, attractive perennial with reddish stems, hemp-like leaves, and numerous small pink flowers grouped in a flat head. Flowers appear from July to September. It grows in a wide range of wet habitats, including ponds, lakes, rivers, marshes, meadows, wet forests, and occasionally in dry habitats and hedgerows. Seeds can be sown any time of the year.

Euphrasia officinalis – Eyebright
A small attractive plant with tiny white to lilac flowers, each with a dark central spot, resembling an eye. Eyebright is an annual plant growing in pastures on low-fertility soils, especially in dry calcareous habitats, including meadows and roadside edges. Sowing occurs from August to December, requiring a long cold period for germination.

Filipendula ulmaria – Meadowsweet
A tall perennial with creamy white flowers arranged in corymbs, pinnate leaves (green above, silvery white below). Blooms from June to September. Common along streams, wet meadows, wet forests, and marshes. Prefers moist, moderately fertile, neutral or calcareous soils. Seeds are best sown in autumn as it germinates in spring.

Filipendula vulgaris – Dropwort
A medium-height perennial related to Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), differing by a brighter and more attractive flower cluster, fewer and larger flowers, and no scent. Blooms from May to August. Found on calcareous slopes and untouched meadows, persisting for several years. Seeds are best sown in autumn as it germinates in spring.

Fritillaria meleagris – Snake’s Head Fritillary
A rare plant with large bell-shaped flowers featuring a dark and pale purple checkerboard pattern or cream-colored flowers, unlikely to be confused with any other plant. Blooms April-May. A medium-height perennial preferring moist locations, hay meadows, and grasslands. Seeds require a long winter period after sowing to break dormancy, so sow at late summer or autumn.

Galeopsis tetrahit – Common Hemp-nettle
An annual plant with a vertical, usually branched, ridged, hairy stem with a sharp smell, pink-violet flowers, and oval-lanceolate leaves. Blooms July-September. Prefers rich, moist soils, shaded places, clearings, riverbanks, and roadside edges. Seeds are best sown in autumn as they require cold for germination.

Galium album – White Bedstraw
A medium-height perennial with thin four-edged stems branching near the top. Long narrow leaves; flower clusters are white with four small petals. Grows in pastures, forest edges, and shrubs on well-drained calcareous soils. Easily grows from seeds sown any time of the year.

Galium verum – Lady’s Bedstraw
A small to medium perennial with a four-angled stem, undivided leaves, and small clusters of four-petaled golden-yellow flowers. Flowers from June to September. Found in a wide range of habitats from infertile neutral soils to calcareous ones, including meadows, pastures, dunes, and sandy soils. Grows easily from seeds sown any time of the year.

Genista tinctoria – Dyer’s Greenweed
A very small shrub (10-50 cm) with rounded stems, simple leaves, and abundant yellow flowers. Blooms June-August. A deciduous shrub found in various grassy habitats, including meadows, hayfields, roadsides, and field edges. Prefers calcareous to slightly acidic soils. Easily grown from seeds, although germination may take longer due to dormancy.

Geranium molle – Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill
A small annual plant, 5–30 cm tall, with small dark pink flowers about 8–12 mm in diameter, with five notched petals. Flowers appear from April to September. Prefers well-drained, acidic soils, spreads quickly, covering the surface with pink-violet flowers. Grows on dry meadows, gardens, and roadsides. Can be sown any time of the year.

Geranium pratense – Meadow Crane’s-bill
A medium to tall perennial with deeply lobed leaves and long hairy stems, often reddish. Flowers bloom from June to September, with five violet-blue unnotched petals. Common in meadows, along roads, streams, and wet pastures. Prefers calcareous soils but not exclusively. Can be sown any time of the year.

Geum rivale – Water Avens
A medium-height perennial with nodding bell-shaped flowers, pale pink-violet with five rounded petals and dark purple sepals. Blooms April–September. Grows in moist or moderately drained soils, tolerates slightly acidic to calcareous soils, in sun or shade. Found along riverbanks, pond edges, wet forests, and fields. Best sown in autumn.

Geum urbanum – Wood Avens
A medium-height perennial herb with yellow five-petaled flowers and reflexed sepals. Lower leaves are pinnate and much larger than upper leaves. Blooms May–November, later forming burr-like seed heads with reddish-brown hooks. Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to calcareous soils. Common in shaded areas: hedgerows, forest edges, shrublands, young forests. Best sown in autumn.

Glaucium flavum – Yellow Horned Poppy
A distinctive plant found on coastal areas, with silvery-gray leaves and large bright yellow flowers that turn into long seed pods. Blooms June–September. This short-lived perennial is characteristic of rocky coasts and sea cliffs. Can be sown any time of the year.

Glebionis segetum – Corn Marigold
A small to medium annual with reliably large yellow daisy-like flowers from June to October. Leaves are slightly fleshy, lobed, hairless, with a waxy coating giving a bluish-green color. Can be grown in a wide range of soils, prefers slightly to moderately acidic. Grows on arable land, roadsides, and pastures. Seeds can be sown late summer to mid-April; early spring sowing usually gives best results.

Helianthemum nummularium – Common Rock-rose
An attractive small plant typical of pastures, growing under shrubs. Lanceolate leaves, hairless on top, white-fuzzy beneath, arranged oppositely along sprawling stems. Flowers have five petals, five sepals, and numerous stamens. In gardens, flowers appear in various colors; wildflowers are yellow, sometimes with an orange spot at the petal base. Blooms May–September. Prefers well-drained, infertile soils. Best sown in autumn.

Hyacinthoides non-scripta – Bluebell
A familiar small/medium perennial with a bulb, forming a striking blue carpet in spring. Native anthers are cream-colored, inflorescence tips nod, with flowers hanging to one side. Grows in hedgerows, under ferns, occasionally in meadows or mountain pastures. First to appear in deciduous forests, especially in well-drained moist soils. Seeds can be sown any time of year, ideally late summer. Normally takes about five years from germination to flowering due to bulb development.

Hypericum hirsutum
A medium to tall perennial with erect, rounded, hairy stems and elongated leaves. Blooms July–August; seeds appear from September. Characteristic of pastures with well-drained soils, neutral to basic, shaded forests, clearings, meadows, riverbanks, roadsides. Best sown in autumn.

Hypericum perforatum – St John’s Wort
A medium-height perennial herb with upright stems branched at the top. Yellow-golden flowers with black dots on petal edges. Leaves opposite, oval-elliptic with translucent dots (“perforatum”). Blooms June–September. Prefers infertile, calcareous, drained soils but occurs in various habitats including meadows, clearings, roadsides. Best sown in autumn.

Hypericum tetrapterum – Square-stalked St John’s Wort
A medium perennial with a thicker stem featuring four ridges (“tetrapterum”). Unlike other common Hypericum species, black dots on leaves and flowers are rare. Pale yellow flowers bloom July–September. Prefers fertile, moist soils, including meadows, pastures, ditches, marshes, pond and river edges. Seeds germinate in spring; best sown in autumn.

Iberis amara – Bitter Candytuft
An attractive annual with branched stems and terminal flower clusters, reaching up to 40 cm. Flowers appear in flattened groups, each with four unequal petals. Blooms May–August, usually white but may vary to deep lilac. Grows on bare soils, southern calcareous pastures, and arable land. Easy to grow from seeds, sown any time of year.

Inula conyzae
A short-lived, fluffy perennial with a purplish stem, growing up to about 1.2 m. Flower heads arranged like closed umbels, matte yellow, supported by violet-brown bracts. Blooms July–September; seeds appear like dandelions. Found on dry, infertile, calcareous soils, rocky areas, pastures, forest edges, and shrubs. Best sown in autumn.

Iris pseudacorus – Yellow Iris
A long-lived perennial, easily recognized by its large yellow flowers from June to August. Prefers wet soils, grows in various habitats: water edges, lakes, ponds, meadows, forests, marshes, or dunes. Seeds are best sown in autumn but can be used anytime.

Jasione montana
An attractive short biennial with slightly hairy lanceolate leaves and rounded light blue, occasionally white flower clusters. Blooms May–September. Grows on acidic, well-drained soils, often on coastal dunes and meadows. Easy to grow from seeds sown any time of year.

Knautia arvensis – Field Scabious
A tall, hairy perennial typical of meadows, with blue-violet flowers and pink anthers, appearing June–October. Prefers dry, well-drained, calcareous to neutral soils of pastures, hayfields, hedgerows, and roadside edges. Attracts many insects, including bees and butterflies. Seeds can be sown in autumn or spring; germination may be slightly slow and uneven.

Lamium purpureum
Like other dead-nettle species, it has a square stem and a flower with an upper hooded petal and two lower petals. Flowers range from dark pink to pale pink, occasionally red; leaves are heart-shaped and slightly toothed. One of the first to bloom in March, flowering continues until October. Grows in fertile, cultivated soils, gardens, hedgerows, and uncultivated soils. Easy to grow from seeds, sown any time of year.

Lathyrus nissolia
An annual plant about 90 cm tall with a leaning stem. Easily identified by its long narrow leaves and pink-purple flowers appearing singly or in pairs along the long stem. Blooms May–July. Typical of clayey cultivated soils, meadows, calcareous grassy areas, forest paths, and coastal pastures. Easy to grow from seeds, though germination may take time due to dormancy.

Lathyrus pratensis – Meadow Vetchling
A tall perennial, identifiable by yellow flowers and narrow lanceolate paired leaves. Blooms May–August, followed by black pods in autumn. Prefers moderately fertile soils across meadows, hedgerows, grassy areas, lightly grazed pastures. Seeds are best sown in autumn but can be used year-round.

Leontodon hispidus
A short perennial with a very hairy, slightly swollen upper stem. Solitary flowers bloom late May–October, golden yellow, often with reddish or orange outer petals and loose bracts below. Basal leaves are long and lobed. Grows on dry, neutral to calcareous soils in pastures, hayfields, rocky edges, and roadsides. Seeds are best sown in autumn but can be used any time.

Leucanthemum vulgare – Oxeye Daisy
An attractive perennial with an unbranched medium-height stem topped by a solitary flower with white petals arranged in a single row around a yellow central disc. Leaves are lobed, toothed, veined, not paired on the stem. Blooms May–September. Found in meadows, moderately grazed pastures, and along railway tracks and roadsides. Prefers well-drained, neutral to fertile soils; absent from wet soils. Produces many seeds that can germinate in autumn or spring and remain viable in the soil for years. Easy to grow from seeds sown any time of year.

Linaria vulgaris – Common Toadflax
A familiar perennial typical of pastures, with gray leaves. Flowers June–October, resembling “Snapdragon” flowers: bright yellow with an orange lower lip. Grows in clearings, meadows, field edges, roadsides, on dry, low-fertility, acidic, and calcareous soils. Seeds can be sown any time.

Lithospermum arvense – Field Gromwell
An annual with an erect stem, sometimes surrounded by smaller branching stems. Flowers appear in upper leaf axils, white to pale blue, five broad petals 5–8 mm. Blooms April–September. Common on arable and uncultivated calcareous soils. Seeds best sown in autumn.

Lotus corniculatus – Bird’s-foot Trefoil
A long-lived perennial, identifiable by a solid stem, light green trifoliate leaves, and flowers the color of egg yolk, with buds often red. Grows on a wide range of soils, absent only on very acidic or infertile soils; does not tolerate high nitrogen. Found in meadows, pastures, flower fields. Establishes easily from seeds sown any time.

Lotus pedunculatus – Marsh Bird’s-foot Trefoil
A wet-soil plant, sharing characteristics with common Bird’s-foot Trefoil but more luxuriant, darker leaves, and a robust tubular stem. Blooms June–August, followed by distinctive “bird-foot” pods. Found in wet meadows, marshes, lakes, rivers, preferring slightly acidic soils. Spreads via stolons and, to a lesser extent, seeds. Establishes easily from seeds sown any time.

Lycopus europaeus – Gypsywort
A medium-to-small perennial, up to 1 m. Flowers in whorls, with angular stems and opposite leaves, resembling mint but without scent. Flowers white with violet spots, bloom June–September. Grows on a wide range of wet soils along rivers, streams, lakes, ditches, and marshes. Once established, spreads via rhizomes. Seeds germinate easily, sown any time.

Lysimachia vulgaris – Yellow Loosestrife
A tall, attractive perennial, flowering July–August. Robust, slightly hairy stem up to 1.5 m, with whorled lanceolate leaves, marked with black or orange spots. Intense yellow flowers with pale spots arranged on branched stems. Prefers permanently wet, nutrient-rich soils, found along rivers, marshes, ponds, and ditches. Seeds can be sown any time.

Lythrum salicaria – Purple Loosestrife
A perennial herbaceous plant with a tall pink flower spike, reaching about 1.5 m. Straight, angular stem with opposite or whorled leaves in threes. Flowers have six petals and twelve stamens, arranged in a dense spike 10–30 cm long. Blooms June–August. Prefers wet, non-acidic, fertile soils. Common in marshes, riverbanks, floodplains. Rapidly establishes from seeds sown any time.

Malva arborea – Tree Mallow
A biennial reaching 3 m, with pink flowers veined darker pink. Velvety leaves make it unlikely to confuse with other plants. Does not tolerate severe winters; rarely found more than 100 m from the sea, though easy to grow in gardens. Prefers shallow nutrient-rich soils, common along coasts. Blooms June–September. Seeds can be sown any time.

Malva moschata – Musk Mallow
A graceful, attractive medium-height plant with large pale pink petals and deeply lobed leaves. Blooms June–August. Grows on well-drained soils, lightly neglected meadows, roadsides, lightly grazed pastures, and uncultivated land. Easily grows from seeds.

Medicago lupulina – Black Medick
An annual or short-lived perennial, small, with compact pale yellow flower heads and clover-like leaves. Blooms April–July. Typical of infertile, neutral to calcareous soils, relatively cultivated areas. Found on dry meadows, pastures, roadsides, uncultivated land, even walls. Seeds best sown in autumn.

Mentha aquatica
A perennial growing up to 90 cm with unmistakable mint appearance and aroma. Flowers on upper stems and around them, purple, bloom July–September. Prefers permanently wet soils, sometimes partially submerged, low-fertility soils where taller, dominant species displace it in nutrient-rich soil. Habitats include ponds, ditches, rivers, marshes, wet pastures. Best sown in autumn, as seeds require a cold period to break dormancy.

Misopates orontium
An annual, small, attractive plant with narrow, dark green, glossy leaves. Light pink-violet flowers grow in the axils of the upper leaves. Found in arable and horticultural crops, as well as open land including gardens and uncultivated areas. Seeds are best sown in early spring.

Myosotis arvensis – Field Forget-me-not
An unmistakable annual or biennial, small plant with clusters of small blue, white, or pink flowers. Blooms April–October. Grows on a wide range of soils but thrives on shallow calcareous and dry sandy soils. Seeds are best sown in autumn.

Myrrhis odorata – Sweet Cicely
An attractive plant reaching about 90 cm, with white flowers blooming from spring to early summer. Light green, fern-like leaves are deeply divided and emit a strong anise scent when crushed. Found at forest edges, clearings, grassy banks, and roadsides. Seeds require cold stratification, so sowing is recommended in late summer or autumn.

Odontites vernus
A relatively small annual (usually under 30 cm), purple with an angular stem and lanceolate leaves. Flowers appear June–September, 8–10 mm, pink-violet. Found in meadows on low-fertility soils, along paths and roadsides. Seeds require cold stratification, best sown in autumn.

Oenanthe pimpinelloides
A perennial, less easily identified at first glance, hairless, with pinnate divided leaves, solid ridged stem growing up to 1 m. White or pink flowers arranged in umbels bloom June–August. Found in meadows and pastures, especially grazed by horses. Prefers acidic soils, tolerates both wet and dry conditions. Seeds best sown in autumn.

Onobrychis viciifolia – Sainfoin
A recognizable perennial with a spike of pale pink flowers, blooming June–August. Typical of pastures on calcareous soils, native or long-introduced. Also found along roadsides, banks, and quarries. Seeds best sown in autumn.

Ononis spinosa – Spiny Restharrow
A perennial herb with dark pink flowers and trifoliate leaves. Blooms July–September, pollinated by bees. Found in pastures, dry meadows, sandy soils, along waterbanks, on calcareous infertile soils, well-drained soils, sometimes clayey soils. Seeds best sown in autumn.

Origanum vulgare – Oregano
A perennial growing up to 60 cm. Dark violet buds at stem tips open into pink, violet, or rarely white flowers. Leaves are long, oval, slightly toothed, and sweetly fragrant. Blooms July–August. Found in lightly grazed pastures, meadows, roadsides; prefers dry, infertile, usually calcareous soils. Seeds can be sown any time, though autumn sowing yields best results.

Ornithogalum pyrenaicum
A beautiful medium-height perennial with narrow leaves and a star-shaped flower cluster, reaching 60 cm and containing over 50 flowers. Each flower ~2.5 cm, star-shaped with six white-green petals and green stripes. Blooms June–July. Found in forests, hedgerows, roadsides, grassy banks, uncultivated areas, usually on calcareous or stony clay soils. Seeds best sown in autumn.

Papaver rhoeas – Common Poppy
An unmistakable annual with large red flowers and dark centers. Blooms June–August. Grows on a wide range of soils, most often light, calcareous, arable land. Best sown in autumn due to seeds needing cold stratification.

Pastinaca sativa – Parsnip
A tall biennial native plant with yellow flowers, rough hairs on the stem, and pinnate leaves with pungent odor when crushed. Blooms June–September, attracting a wide range of insects. Typical of neutral to calcareous pastures, also found on roadsides and uncultivated areas. Seeds best sown in autumn but can be sown any time.

Persicaria bistorta – Bistort
A garden perennial with a basal cluster of long oval leaves. Stem ~75 cm, ending with a pink raceme. Blooms late spring–autumn. Prefers slightly acidic, moist soils, found in meadows, pastures, riverbanks, but tolerates drought. Seeds best sown in autumn, can establish any time.

Pimpinella major
A tall perennial ~1 m. Hollow, strongly ribbed stem. Basal leaves pinnate, ending with three lobes. Umbel flowers bloom July–September, white or pink. Prefers calcareous, sometimes clayey soils. Found in meadows, roadsides, riverbanks, forest edges, similar sites. Seeds best sown in autumn (require cold stratification).

Plantago lanceolata – Ribwort Plantain
A perennial herb, 10–50 cm, with ovate or lanceolate leaves and straight flowering stems with brown-white inflorescences, blooming throughout summer. Found on all soil types, most often on acidic meadows, pastures, floodplains, riverbanks, and sand dunes. Seeds survive and establish under dry conditions unsuitable for other species.

Plantago media
A perennial with unbranched stem, basal veined leaves, and white-green flower spikes with long pink-violet stamens. Basal leaves broad and oval. Blooms May–August. Typical of calcareous soils, also grows on clayey, heavy soils, wet mown meadows, and hayfields. Seeds best sown late summer or autumn.

Poterium sanguisorba
A small to medium perennial with gray pinnate leaves, rounded inflorescence of small green flowers with red styles. Leaves have a cucumber scent. Found on calcareous, dry, infertile soils; less often clayey, wet soils. Grows in meadows, floodplains, roadsides, and quarries. Seeds can be sown any time, germinating in spring or autumn.

Primula elatior – Oxlip
An attractive forest perennial with pale yellow flowers in clusters at stem tips. Hairy stem, basal leaves. Blooms April–June. Found in old forests dominated by oak, ash, field maple, and hazel on calcareous, sometimes waterlogged, poorly aerated soils. Seeds require cold stratification, so sowing in autumn is recommended.

Primula veris – Cowslip
A familiar spring flower with a rosette of wrinkled, toothed leaves, from which one or more flowering stems emerge. Flowers are dark yellow with orange bases, arranged in umbels, often leaning to one side. Blooms March–May. Typical of species-rich small meadows, grows on a wide range of calcareous soils, sometimes dry, and non-calcareous soils, preferring moist, well-drained conditions. Seeds require cold stratification and are best sown late summer or autumn. Germinates in spring.

Primula vulgaris – Primrose
A small perennial, one of the most well-known plants, with pale yellow flowers blooming March–May. Found in cool, shaded locations, not only in forests but also on hedgerows, riverbanks, mountain areas, and cliff faces. Prefers moist, usually heavy clay soils. Seeds require cold stratification, best sown late summer or autumn. Germinates in spring.

Prunella vulgaris – Common Self-heal
A small creeping plant with angular stems and light green oval leaves arranged oppositely. Violet flowers are densely arranged around an elongated flower head. Blooms June–September. Found in meadows, pastures, lawns, roadsides, and clearings, preferring neutral or calcareous, moderately fertile, moist soils. Seeds can be sown any time.

Pulicaria dysenterica
A perennial herb in the daisy family, growing up to 1 m. Lanceolate leaves with wavy edges. Flowers ~3 cm diameter, golden yellow. Blooms July–September. Prefers moist, acidic, rich soils. Found in meadows, marshes, wet forest paths, river/lake edges. Seeds develop easily and can be sown any time.

Ranunculus acris – Meadow Buttercup
An elegant perennial reaching 90 cm, with deeply lobed leaves and yellow flowers. Blooms April–October. Found in grazed pastures or mown meadows, prefers moist soils. Seeds develop easily, sown in autumn or spring.

Ranunculus arvensis
An annual growing up to 50 cm, with narrow, deeply lobed leaves and small lemon-yellow flowers. Blooms early May–late June. Almost entirely restricted to arable land, prefers clayey, sandy, calcareous soils, especially heavy clay. Seeds can be sown in autumn, germinating during autumn and winter.

Ranunculus bulbosus
A perennial typical of meadows, with reflexed sepals and yellow flowers blooming March–May. Found in grazed or mown meadows, preferring well-drained calcareous soils, absent from very acidic soils. Seeds develop easily, sown in autumn or spring.

Ranunculus flammula
A perennial with glossy yellow flowers of five petals and smaller anthers than other buttercups, with lanceolate leaves. Blooms May–August. Found in wet habitats, acidic to neutral soils, medium to low fertility. Prefers areas with fluctuating water levels: pond/lake edges, riverbanks, springs. Seeds develop easily, can be sown any time.

Reseda lutea
A perennial or biennial with conical racemes of small green-yellow, odorless flowers. Leaves are pale green-yellow, pinnate, with wavy edges. Found in a wide range of habitats on well-drained soils, including quarries, uncultivated areas, roadsides, and embankments, preferring calcareous soils of meadows and dunes. Seeds develop easily, can be sown any time.

Rhinanthus minor – Yellow Rattle
An annual characteristic of meadows, with yellow two-lipped flowers, two white or violet teeth, behind which are green, sometimes red inflated sepals. Blooms May–September. Prefers moderately or low-fertility meadows, but also found along roadsides, dunes, lightly grazed pastures, and drier areas near marshes. Seeds require cold stratification, germinate in early spring, best sown in autumn.

Rumex acetosa – Common Sorrel
A tall perennial with arrow-shaped leaves and small flowers turning into flat reddish fruits with a papery appearance. Has a sour taste, used in salads and soups. Found in a wide range of habitats, especially meadows and pastures. Prefers neutral or slightly acidic soils. Seeds can be sown any time.

Rumex acetosella – Sheep’s Sorrel
A smaller, slender perennial similar to common sorrel, ~20 cm tall, with lobed arrow-shaped leaves arranged laterally. Typical of dry, well-drained, relatively infertile soils, found on non-calcareous soils, pastures, plains, dunes, and beaches under dry conditions. Seeds can be sown any time.

Rumex sanguineus
A short-lived perennial with a spike inflorescence and lanceolate leaves. Found at forest edges, clearings, paths, hedgerows, and roadsides. Prefers moist clay soils but grows on a wide range of soils. Seeds can be sown any time.

Salvia verbenaca
A long-lived perennial, tall, with hairy stems, green-grey oval lobed leaves with toothed edges, and pale purple or violet flowers in whorls on an upright stem. Strongly aromatic. Prefers well-drained, base-rich soils. Found in pastures, sunny areas, and stable sand dunes. Seeds can be sown spring or autumn. Requires full sun.

Sanguisorba officinalis – Great Burnet
A tall perennial with elongated spikes of dark red flowers. Pinnate leaves green above, greyish below, odorless. Blooms June–September. Prefers neutral soils with alluvium or peat. Associated with wet pastures, meadows, marshy fields, river/lake edges, though can grow in dry soils. Seeds can be sown any time, best in autumn.

Scabiosa columbaria
An attractive perennial growing up to 70 cm, with large pale blue flowers. Small individual flowers in the flower head have five petals. Blooms June–October. Typical of dry, relatively infertile, calcareous soils. Habitats include meadows and pastures (especially grazed by sheep), embankments, slopes, roadsides, and rarely quarries. Seeds best sown in autumn, but can be sown any time.

Scorzoneroides autumnalis
An attractive small perennial characteristic of meadows, with yellow flowers, blooming July–October. Basal rosette leaves are lanceolate and deeply toothed. Grows on a wide range of soils, in meadows, grazed or mown pastures, and hayfields, on moderately fertile, moist soils. Seeds are best sown in spring but can be sown any time.

Scrophularia auriculata
A tall perennial with angular stems, opposite leaves, and brown-red characteristic flowers. Found on permanently wet soils, at lake, river, and stream edges, ditches, wet pits, and marshes. Tolerates shade well and often occurs in wet forests. Seeds can be sown in wet soil at any time.

Sherardia arvensis
A very small annual often overlooked, but attractive upon close inspection, with small pale lilac or pink flowers. Found in open, drought-prone meadows, arable fields, uncultivated land, and roadsides. Seeds can be sown any time.

Silaum silaus
A perennial umbellifer in the carrot family, with yellow flowers arranged in umbels 20–60 mm diameter, and lower leaves divided into narrow leaflets. Prefers moist clay soils; habitats include untouched meadows, riparian woodlands, hayfields, lightly grazed pastures, and sometimes drier conditions like roadsides or slopes. Seeds are best sown in autumn as they require cold stratification.

Silene dioica – Red Campion
An attractive medium-to-tall perennial with hairy stems and opposite leaves. Pink flowers with five notched petals, forming a tube at the base surrounded by a brown-violet calyx. Blooms March–November. Found in lightly shaded habitats such as hedgerows, groves, and clearings, but can survive unbloomed in deeper shade. Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soils. Seeds develop easily, sown any time.

Silene flos-cuculi – Ragged Robin
A medium-to-tall perennial with unmistakable red or pink, rarely white, deeply bifid petals. Blooms May–July. Found in a wide range of habitats: wet meadows, riparian woodlands, marshes, pond edges, ditches, and wet forest edges.

Silene noctiflora
A medium-height annual covered with sticky hairs, with white or pink deeply notched flowers. Blooms July–September. Petals remain closed during the day, opening in the evening and staying open overnight. Found on cultivated and uncultivated lands, on dry, sandy, calcareous soils. Seeds develop easily, sown any time.

Silene uniflora
A perennial with white flowers forming a tube at the base surrounded by a calyx. Usually one flower per stem, with wider, less deeply notched petals than other species. Blooms May–July. Found on rocky shores, sand dunes, gravel, and lake edges. Prefers well-drained soils and sunny locations. Seeds develop easily, sown any time.

Silene vulgaris – Bladder Campion
A medium-height perennial with grey-green waxy leaves and white flowers with five notched petals forming a tube at the base surrounded by a calyx. Blooms May–August. Found in a wide range of habitats: well-drained soils, cultivated land, pastures, roadsides, uncultivated land, and field edges. Seeds develop easily, sown any time.

Stachys sylvatica – Hedge Woundwort
A medium-height, hairy perennial with a sharp smell when crushed. Dark green heart-shaped leaves. Flowers arranged in whorls, reddish-purple with white spots. Blooms June–October. Prefers moist, relatively fertile soils; found along riverbanks, roadsides, forest paths. Best sown late summer or autumn as seeds require cold stratification.

Succisa pratensis – Devil’s-bit Scabious
A perennial with a distinct rounded “pincushion” bluish-violet flower supported by green bracts. Basal rosette leaves are elliptical, dark green, often with purple spots; stem leaves are narrower, sometimes toothed. Blooms June–October. Found in a wide range of habitats: hayfields, wet pastures, forest paths, plains, marshes, on drained soils, preferring neutral to slightly acidic soils. Seeds are best sown in autumn.

Tanacetum vulgare – Tansy
A perennial with yellow button-like flowers in flat clusters on branched stems, 50–150 cm tall, often reddish. Finely divided fern-like leaves, alternate on stem. Leaves and flowers aromatic. Flowers appear late, August–September. Found in meadows, cultivated land, riverbanks, roadsides, uncultivated land. Seeds can be sown any time; spring sowing in seed trays recommended.

Taraxacum officinale – Dandelion
A well-known perennial herb, often confused with other family members. Long, lobed leaves; yellow flowers in capitula; hollow stem with milky sap. Grows in a wide range of habitats: wetlands, sand dunes, mountains, gardens, uncultivated land, pastures. Seeds develop easily, sown any time.

Teucrium scorodonia
A perennial in the dead-nettle family, ~50 cm tall. Hairy plant with wrinkled oval leaves, lightly sage-scented when crushed. Yellow-green flowers bloom July–September. Prefers well-drained, acidic or slightly basic soils. Found in plains, forests, hedgerows, shrublands, dunes. Most seeds germinate in spring, best sown in autumn.

Thalictrum flavum
A tall, distinctive perennial reaching 1 m or more. Pinnate leaves; small dense pale yellow flowers supported by two green bracts. Blooms July–September. Found in a wide range of wet habitats: marshes, wet meadows, ditches, stream edges. Seeds germinate late summer or spring; best sown in autumn.

Thlapsi arvense – Field Pennycress
A medium-height annual with sagittate leaves with toothed margins, white flowers with yellow anthers. Easily distinguished from other wildflowers. Found on heavy soils, arable land, roadsides, uncultivated land, and gardens. Seeds can be sown any time.

Thymus polytrichus
An attractive small perennial, creeping with angular hairy stems and rounded grey-green leaves. White or pale pink-lilac flowers appear in summer. Found on well-drained, basic, calcareous soils in pastures, mown meadows, mountain regions, rocky areas, and field edges. Seeds germinate in late summer or spring; best sown in autumn.

Torilis japonica
A medium to tall annual or biennial from the carrot family (Apiaceae). Blooms July–September. Found in a variety of habitats on neutral to basic soils, including forest edges, hedgerows, ungrazed pastures, and steep road edges. Best sown in autumn as seeds require cold stratification.

Trifolium arvense – Hare’s-foot Clover
A small annual, attractive, 10–30 cm tall. Leaves divided into three narrow, long leaflets. The hairy calyx protects the pale pink flowers from heat. Prefers slightly acidic, sandy, or gravelly soils, such as uncultivated land or field edges, but not wet soils or shade. Best sown in autumn.

Trifolium ochroleucon
A perennial herbaceous plant with alternate trifoliate leaves and white or creamy-yellow flowers. Blooms June–July. Prefers calcareous, rocky, clay soils; grows in hayfields, pastures, arable land, road edges, and near railways. Seeds can be sown any time, though germination may be slow.

Trifolium pratense – Red Clover
A perennial with trifoliate leaves and red or pink flower clusters. Wild red clover grows in hayfields and meadows, tolerates most soils, including acidic, wet, or infertile, but prefers well-drained, moist, slightly acidic soils. Seeds can be sown any time, though germination may be slow.

Verbascum nigrum – Dark Mullein
A tall biennial with a lanceolate inflorescence, abundant yellow flowers with purple, hairy stamens, and mostly hairy leaves. Found along roadsides, banks, and other grassy places, occasionally cultivated, especially on well-drained calcareous soils. Blooms June–September, sometimes until November. Seeds germinate easily.

Verbascum thapsus
A tall biennial covered with white or grey fuzz, with clusters of pale yellow flowers. Found on well-drained calcareous soils, in meadows and uncultivated land. Seeds germinate easily.

Verbena officinalis – Vervain
A thin, hairy perennial with a woody stem branching into several upright stems. Blooms early July–late September with small blue flowers arranged in slender terminal spikes. Found on well-drained soils, often calcareous, in meadows, roadsides, shrub forests, cliffs, and forest edges. Seeds can be sown any time.

Vicia cracca
A climbing perennial with violet-purple flower heads that rise above vegetation using branched stems and leaves divided into 8–12 pairs of leaflets. Found on hedgerows, forest edges, ungrazed pastures, and riverbanks. Prefers moderately fertile, moist soils, but not permanently wet soils. Seeds germinate easily, though germination may be slow.

Vicia sativa ssp. segetalis
A perennial, like other species in the genus, with compound leaves in pairs and a branched tendril at the tip for climbing above other plants. Violet flowers, usually paired but sometimes solitary, bloom May–September. Found in neglected pastures and open meadows, especially on dry, sandy soils. Seeds germinate easily, though germination may be slow.

Viola odorata – Sweet Violet
With violet or white flowers and an unmistakable scent, this is an early spring perennial. Height 2–15 cm, growing from rhizomes that also produce creeping stolons for propagation. Prefers calcareous, basic soils; grows in sparse forests, hedgerows, and roadsides. Best sown in autumn as seeds require cold stratification.

Viola riviniana – Common Violet
A small perennial, one of the three violet species commonly found in forests, blooming from early April. Petal color is paler. Found in deciduous forests, hedgerows, and other shaded areas. Occurs on a wide range of soils, most commonly calcareous or base-rich clay. Best sown in autumn as seeds require cold stratification.

With extensive experience in landscaping and green roof construction, we assist in selecting vegetation for green roofs—extensive, semi-extensive, or intensive.

Different species of sedum and wild herbs are ideal for extensive biodiverse green roofs, but can also be combined with other flowering plants for spectacular decorative landscaping results.

Plant selection for green roofs, terrace gardens, or living walls is done with horticulturists and experienced landscape engineers. The recommended plants are suitable for local climate conditions, whether native or imported species proven viable. Subsequent maintenance, whether under warranty or contract, is performed promptly and professionally, ensuring an aesthetic, healthy, and vigorous green space. Your ecological roof can be extensive with sedum or ferns, intensive with herbs, perennials, shrubs, even trees, and high-quality lawn. Planting can be done with vegetation mats, sedum or turf rolls, sowing with seedlings or seeds, or installing trays with mature plants for immediate results.