This pollution-catching “super plant” is ideal for growing beside busy roads, say scientists

[rangerrebew]

This pollution-catching “super plant” is ideal for growing beside busy roads, say scientists

03/04/2021 / By Divina Ramirez

Franchet’s cotoneaster (Cotoneaster franchetii) has been identified by scientists as the ideal hedge for soaking up air pollution on busy roads. Thanks to its hairy leaves, Franchet’s cotoneaster is able to trap potentially harmful particles from polluted air, according to research by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

Scientists collected leaves from a variety of hedges along busy roads in the British town of Reading to measure the amount of particulate matter (PM) they were able to extract from the surrounding air.

The scientists found that Franchet’s cotoneaster, a shrub with clusters of small pink and white flowers that are attractive to bees, are the most effective at soaking up pollution.

https://www.climate.news/2021-03-04-super-plant-ideal-for-busy-roads.html#

[Sled Dog]

But are they fun to smoke?

[Joe Wooten]

If they start seeding it along roads, it will soon become another invasive weed....