Some native plant species have adapted to a variety of geographic areas, edaphic conditions and micro-environments. Locally adapted plant populations (i.e. ecotypes) are best suited for use in habitat restoration projects. Planting stock of inappropriate origin (i.e. adapted to a different environment) is likely to lower plant survival rates and jeopardize project success.

     It is important to avoid contaminating the gene pools of natural areas near your revegetation site. The use of locally-collected propagules for native plant revegetation projects maintains the integrity of the local gene pool. This is especially important when restoring sensitive habitats, reintroducing rare plant species and when working with plants which hybridize easily.

     Most native plant nurseries are willing to contact grow locally-collected plant materials for your habitat restoration project. Their nursery staff will come to your area to collect the necessary propagules (e.g. seeds, cuttings) and/or will advise you on the proper collection methods and timing.

     Additionally, certified nurserymen keep accurate records of the origins of the native plants which they have in their inventory. Thus, in the event you cannot wait the required amount of time for the contract growing of site specific plant materials you may be able to obtain suitable native plants from one or more of the native plant nurseries in your region.

Collection Guidelines

• Whenever possible collect plant propagules from either on-site or suitable areas close to your restoration site.

• If at all possible collect plant propagules from donor plants growing in the same watershed as your restoration site.

• Match the collection site with your restoration site for: elevation, soils, slope, aspect, rainfall, annual temperature patterns, frost dates, and associated vegetation.

• Know proper species identification.

• Avoid donor plants of unknown origin (e.g., garden escapes).

• Avoid collecting materials from isolated stands or individuals as they may diminish genetic variability.

• Collect seeds at their proper stage of ripening (i.e., mature seed).

• Avoid collecting from plants growing near non-local (e.g. landscaping, garden escapees) plants of the same species to prevent future contamination (hybridization).

• Avoid collecting from unhealthy or atypical plants.

• Collect equal amounts of propagules from suitable donor plants.

• Collect from at least 50 individual donor plants of the same species; especially when phenotypic variation (i.e., genetically visual variations in species appearance) is prevalent.

• Collect from widely spaced donor stands.

• Do not over collect; collect <10% of seed available.

• Contact both the Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before collecting propagules from rare plant populations.

• Obtain any required permit(s) before collecting wetland plant materials.

• Properly label collection bags.

• Complete seed accession data sheet.