Expanding Habitats with Native Plant Seed Collection: A How-To Guide

Why Collect Native Seeds?

Native plants provide critical food and habitat for pollinators. By collecting seeds from plants that already thrive on your land, you’re working with species that have adapted well to local soil and climate conditions. Additionally, collecting your own seeds reduces the need for commercial seed purchases, which can be expensive and sometimes results in plants that are less resilient and regionally adapted.

Step 1: Prepare for Collection

Materials Needed: Hand tools (scissors or pruning shears), gloves, collection bags/envelopes, dropcloth, deli cup/tupperware, and, optionally, gauze bags for lightweight seeds (like milkweed) that can disperse easily.

Planning Collection Time: Wildflower seeds are generally ready for collection two to five weeks after the plant blooms. The seeds should be firm, dry, and  darker in color when they are ripe. Fruit can be gathered right after it has dropped to the ground.  It is best not to use fruit or seeds that have been sitting on moist ground.  Weather and environment can affect timing, as warm, dry conditions may speed up ripening, while cooler, damp conditions can delay it.

Step 2: Responsible Collection Practices

To ensure sustainable harvests and conserve wild populations, follow these collection guidelines:

1. Collect Only Ripe Seeds: Wait until seeds are hard and dry. Immature seeds (green or soft) are unlikely to germinate well.

2. Limit Collection to 10-20%: Avoid overharvesting, especially from smaller populations. This balance helps plants naturally reseed.

3. Respect the Environment: Practice Leave No Trace principles by minimizing disturbance and avoiding soil compaction. Avoid rare species unless you’re working in a restoration context and have proper permissions.

Step 3: Harvesting Techniques

Hand Collection: For small-scale projects, hand collection is often the easiest and most sustainable approach. Use gloves and small bags tied at your waist, leaving both hands free for gathering seeds. For plants with tough or embedded seeds, gently use scissors or shears to cut seed heads.

Mechanical Collection: If collecting large amounts, mechanical harvesters, such as forage harvesters or seed strippers, can save time. Be cautious, however, as machines can also pick up unwanted seeds or damage the soil if not used properly.

Step 4: Seed Cleaning and Drying

After collecting, allow seeds to dry to prevent mold. Place seeds in well-ventilated areas out of direct sunlight. Once dry, clean seeds by separating them from plant chaff. This can be done by hand, using screens, or through winnowing, a process where seeds are poured in front of a fan that blows away the lighter chaff.

Step 5: Seed Storage and Preservation

Store seeds in cool, dry environments to extend their viability. Use envelopes, jars, or bags, and label them with species names and collection dates. Native wildflower seeds can be kept for about a year, but planting sooner is ideal.

Storage Tip: Avoid humidity and extreme temperatures. As a rule, the combined value of storage temperature (in degrees Fahrenheit) and relative humidity (%) should not exceed 100.  Only store seeds in plastic or glass if you are sure they have had sufficient dry time.

Seeds of fleshy fruits (like Asimina Triloba/Paw Paw) should be kept moist to maintain viability.  If allowed to dry out, they will either germinate prematurely or not at all.  This time of seed should be planted immediately or mixed in a one-to-one ratio of moist sand or in a vermiculite or perlite mixture.

Step 6: Planting and Community Sharing

When ready, scatter seeds in prepared areas. Planting uncleaned seeds is fine for smaller spaces, though larger plots benefit from cleaner seed. Sharing seeds with neighbors or participating in seed swaps is a great way to expand native habitats in your area and spread awareness of pollinator conservation.

Sowing Seeds for a Sustainable Tomorrow

Collecting native wildflower seeds is a valuable practice for enhancing biodiversity and creating resilient landscapes. It’s a hands-on way to support pollinators and strengthen ecosystems on our properties and across communities. With each seed you plant, you’re nurturing a small piece of a much-needed wildlife habitat.

Happy planting!

Native Plant Combinations for Every Season

By choosing native plants that offer beauty, structure, and support for wildlife throughout the seasons, you can create a dynamic and environmentally friendly garden. These seasonal plant combinations not only enhance the visual appeal of your landscape but also provide essential resources for pollinators and wildlife. Embrace the changing seasons and enjoy a garden that is alive with color and activity all year long.

Cercis canadensis

Spring: Waking up the Garden

Spring is a time of renewal, and your garden can reflect this with vibrant native plants that awaken after the winter. Focus on early bloomers and plants that provide essential resources for emerging pollinators.

1. Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

• Description: This small understory tree is covered in pink blooms in early spring.

• Companion Plants:

  • Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica): Adds a touch of blue with its delicate, nodding flowers.

  • Celandine/Wood Poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum): A cheerful pop of yellow in contrast to the bluebells. Prefers moist conditions.

  • Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum): Offers a delicate pink flower with charming foliage.

2. Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)

• Description: This tree features white blooms in early spring and edible berries in summer.

• Companion Plants:

  • Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea): Provides bright yellow flowers that attract early pollinators.

  • Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis): Adds early white blooms that complement the Serviceberry.

3. Eastern Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

• Description: Known for its unique, red and yellow flowers.

• Companion Plants:

  • Wild Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata): Offers fragrant blue flowers that attract butterflies.

  • Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia): Provides white, foam-like blooms that contrast beautifully with Columbine.

Rudbeckia hirta

Summer: Explosions of Color

Summer gardens can be vibrant and lush, providing nectar and habitat for a wide variety of pollinators. Focus on plants that thrive in the heat and offer continuous blooms.

1. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

• Description: Bright yellow flowers with dark centers, great for attracting bees and butterflies.

• Companion Plants:

  • Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Soft purple flowers contrast with spiky cone-shaped centers. Attracts a range of pollinators. Seed heads provide structural interest and food for the birds into fall and winter.

  • Bee Balm (Monarda fistuliosa): Offers red or pink blooms that are loved by bees and hummingbirds. Interesting seed heads once the flowers have faded.

2. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

• Description: Vibrant orange flowers that are crucial for Monarch butterflies.

• Companion Plants:

  • Little Blue Stem (Schizachyrium scoparium): Many varieties have attractive blue hues through summer, turning red with tufted seed heads in autumn.

  • Tall Coreopsis (Coreopsis tripteris): Adds golden-yellow flowers and height to your summer garden.

  • Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum): Adds tall, pink flower clusters that attract butterflies and bees.

3. Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)

• Description: Unique spherical flower clusters that bloom in summer.

• Companion Plants:

  • Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica): Adds vertical interest with its blue spikes.

  • Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata): Provides additional nectar for Monarchs and other butterflies.

  • Ironweed (Vernonia novaboriensis): Offers tall, purple flower clusters that complement the Buttonbush.

Fall: Jewel Tones and Food for Wildlife

Fall is a time for rich, warm colors and seeds that feed wildlife preparing for winter. Choose plants that offer late-season blooms and berries.

1. Aromatic Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium)

Description: Provides vibrant purple flowers in late summer to fall.

• Companion Plants:

  • Goldenrod (Solidago spp.): Offers bright yellow blooms that contrast beautifully with Asters.

  • Bluestar (Amsonia Hubrichtii): A golden cloud of delicate foliage that perfectly compliments domes of purple asters.

2. American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)

• Description: Known for its striking purple berries in fall.

• Companion Plants:

  • Spicebush (Lindera benzoin): Offers aromatic yellow flowers and bright red berries. In fall the foliage turns a beautiful yellow.

  • Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana): Adds late-season yellow flowers and interesting twig formations.

3. Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)

• Description: Provides edible berries and stunning fall foliage.

• Companion Plants:

  • Mapleleaf Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium): Features red berries and vibrant fall color.

  • Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum): Adds brilliant autumn hues with its foliage.

Hamamelis vernalis

Winter: A Time for Structure and Interest

Winter gardens should provide structure and interest, offering shelter and food sources for wildlife. Choose plants with appealing bark, berries, or evergreen foliage.

1. Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

• Description: An evergreen with aromatic foliage and blue berries.

• Companion Plants:

  • Broomsedge (Andropogon Virginicus): Structural, tan grass that glows in the low winter light.

  • Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata): Provides vibrant red berries that stand out against winter’s backdrop.

2. Witch Hazel (Hamamelis vernalis)

• Description: Known for its unique yellow flowers that bloom in winter.

• Companion Plants:

  • Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea): Adds striking red stems and winter interest.

  • Holly (Ilex opaca): Offers evergreen leaves and bright red berries.