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Solar Exposure for Wildflowers

Calculate shadow lengths and sun hours to determine wildflower viability. Matches light conditions to specific plant species.

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About

Establishing a wildflower meadow requires strict adherence to the solar requirements of the chosen species. Shade cast by surrounding structures or vegetation creates microclimates that can stunt heliophilic (sun-loving) species while scorching shade-tolerant ones.

This tool calculates the shadow length cast by an obstacle based on solar elevation angles. By determining the percentage of the day a plot remains in shadow, it filters a botanical database to suggest species that match the specific photoperiod of the site, ensuring higher germination and survival rates for conservation projects.

biodiversity shadow calculator landscaping wildflowers conservation

Formulas

The length of a shadow (L) is calculated using trigonometry based on the obstacle height (h) and the solar elevation angle (α):

L = htan(α)

Solar elevation angle varies by latitude and season. For worst-case scenarios (longer shadows), lower angles (Winter/Spring) are used.

Reference Data

Light CategoryDaily Sun HoursEcological NicheTypical Species
Full Sun6+ HoursOpen MeadowCornflower, Poppy, Oxeye Daisy
Partial Shade3 − 6 HoursWoodland EdgeRed Campion, Foxglove, Yarrow
Full Shade< 3 HoursUnderstoryBluebell, Wood Anemone, Ferns
Dappled ShadeFiltered LightCanopy CoverPrimrose, Sweet Violet

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, significantly. Shadows are longest in winter when the sun is low (low elevation angle) and shortest in summer (high elevation angle). This tool typically estimates for the growing season (Spring/Summer).
Direct sun refers to unfiltered sunlight hitting the leaves. Sunlight passing through a deciduous tree canopy is considered dappled or partial shade, which significantly reduces the Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR).
They may germinate, but they will likely be "leggy" (tall and weak) as they stretch for light, and they will produce few to no flowers. It is more effective to choose species adapted to the site's limitations.