Common difficulties encountered in collecting native seed

Abstract

The increased demand for native seed has surpassed our ability to provide high quality range-collected seed. This paper discusses some of the hazards and common mistakes associated with the collection of wildland native seed. Among the common difficulties in collecting native seed are: (1) native species do not produce seed often in the arid West; (2) there is a scarcity of large homogeneous accessible stands of native plants; (3) a widespread occurrence of noxious weeds lowers the percent of seed purity; and (4) fire has reduced the availability of native shrubs. Environmental factors that may be hazardous to native seed collection include late frosts, hail, competitive grazing, and wind. Collection practices that can improve changes of success include: (1) management of moisture content of collected seed; (2) proper bagging of seed and protection from the elements; and (3) proper seed cleaning with minimal damage.

Parent Publication

• Revegetation with native species: Proceedings, 1997 Society for Ecological Restoration annual meeting; 1997 November 12-15; Fort Lauderdale, FL

Citation

Dunne, Richard. 1999. Common difficulties encountered in collecting native seed. In: Holzworth, Larry K.; Brown, Ray W., comps. Revegetation with native species: Proceedings, 1997 Society for Ecological Restoration annual meeting; 1997 November 12-15; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Proc. RMRS-P-8. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 28-29.