Top Living Wall Plants to Combat Air Pollution Effectively

According to recent research, lavender, marjoram, and ivy are the top plants for enhancing air quality on a living wall. This finding comes from a study conducted at the University of Surrey in the UK.

In the study, researchers tested 10 plant species on a green wall measuring 1.4 meters high, positioned next to a busy road, to identify which effectively captured airborne pollutants. Plants play a crucial role in reducing pollution by trapping particles on their leaves, which are then washed away by rain. By varying the plant types, the team assessed which leaf structures and characteristics were most beneficial.

Among the species studied, lavender, marjoram, and ivy proved to be the most proficient at filtering out pollutants from the atmosphere.

Top Plants for Air Quality Improvement

It's no surprise that these three plants, popular among home gardeners for both indoor and outdoor settings, excel at purifying air.

'Ivy and marjoram are recognized for their air-purifying capabilities, making them excellent choices for indoor environments,' explains Autumn Hilliard-Knapp, a plant expert.

Specifically, ivies are known for filtering toxins from the air. 'They can eliminate substances like formaldehyde, mold spores, and allergens,' Autumn adds.

As noted by Julie Bawden Davis, another plant specialist, these plants also contribute to pollution reduction in another significant way.

'They draw pollutants into their leaves, which are then sent to the roots where they are converted into nutrients for the plants.' She emphasizes that ivy is particularly effective at purifying air, with marjoram also performing admirably.

A modular living wall system planted with herbs

The study also included other plants such as aromatic herbs like Breckland thyme and sage. A diverse array of leaf shapes and textures is key to creating an effective living wall for air purification.

'We believe that a well-chosen mix of species will yield the most effective green walls,' states Mamatha Tomson, a postgraduate researcher at the University of Surrey.

This research follows another revelation from the same university, where yew (Taxus baccata) was identified as the best tree for reducing air pollution.