CLARB Planting Design and Ecology 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map resource is most commonly referenced when selecting plants for a CLARB exam project in the continental US?
- USDA ARS Plant Hardiness Zone Map (Correct answer)
- Sunset Western Garden Zone Map
- American Horticultural Society Heat Zone Map
- Koppen Climate Classification Map
Correct answer: USDA ARS Plant Hardiness Zone Map
The USDA ARS Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard reference for determining minimum winter temperatures and plant cold-hardiness in the US.
Question 2: A landscape architect specifies a 'plant community' approach for a restoration site. What does this primarily mean?
- Plants are grouped based on their native ecological associations and environmental tolerances (Correct answer)
- Plants are chosen solely for aesthetic color combinations
- Plants are selected only from the same genus
- Plants are arranged in formal geometric patterns
Correct answer: Plants are grouped based on their native ecological associations and environmental tolerances
A plant community approach groups species that naturally co-occur and share ecological relationships, supporting habitat function and long-term resilience.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of specifying a soil amendment such as compost at a rate of 3 inches tilled to 12 inches depth in a planting bed?
- To improve soil structure, drainage, and nutrient content for plant establishment (Correct answer)
- To increase soil compaction for stability
- To raise the pH of alkaline soils
- To eliminate all existing soil organisms
Correct answer: To improve soil structure, drainage, and nutrient content for plant establishment
Incorporating compost improves aeration, water retention, and nutrient availability, creating better conditions for root development and plant establishment.
Question 4: Which term describes the gradual replacement of one plant community by another over time?
- Ecological succession (Correct answer)
- Phenological shift
- Allelopathy
- Xeriscaping
Correct answer: Ecological succession
Ecological succession is the process by which the structure of a biological community evolves over time through predictable stages.
Question 5: On a CLARB planting plan, what does the abbreviation 'B&B' typically indicate about a plant specimen?
- Balled and burlapped — the root ball is wrapped in burlap for transplanting (Correct answer)
- Bare-root and balled — planted without soil around roots
- Branch and bark — referring to bark texture specifications
- Biodegradable and bundled — container type
Correct answer: Balled and burlapped — the root ball is wrapped in burlap for transplanting
B&B (balled and burlapped) specifies that the plant is dug with a soil ball around the roots and wrapped in burlap to retain moisture during transport.
Question 6: When designing a bioswale planting palette, which plant characteristic is most critical?
- Tolerance for both wet and dry conditions (facultative wetland or upland species) (Correct answer)
- High drought tolerance only
- Strictly aquatic species only
- Fast-growing invasive species for quick coverage
Correct answer: Tolerance for both wet and dry conditions (facultative wetland or upland species)
Bioswale plants must tolerate periodic inundation during storm events as well as dry conditions between rain events, requiring facultative or adaptable species.
CLARB Planting Design and Ecology 1
Which USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map resource is most commonly referenced when selecting plants for a CLARB exam project in the continental US?