Owner: North Carolina State University
Roof System Supplier: American Hydrotech
Plant Supplier: Emory Knoll Farms

The research project was conducted in the North Carolina Piedmont during one of the worst droughts in state history. The JC Raulston Arboretum located on the campus of NC State University, Raleigh The ongoing study is utilizing plants on the green roof that are adaptive to the arid Southwestern United States. The purpose for trial was to study how the sedums perform in the micro climate provided and compare with the Southwest plant selections growing in the same location. Observations include: plant growth and survival, drought tolerance, root rot, and plant variety dominance. No automatic irrigation was provided for the project when the green roof was installed in 2004. Originaly used as a sedum display, the intrest in other drought tolerant species of plants prompted Dr. Denny Werner to showcase the desert plants which he felt would survive the hot dry microclimates the roof offered. The JC Raulston study will provide a listing the green roof plants used and recommendations for the Southern United States.