Detention Basin, Raingarden, and Bioswale Native Seed Mix
Detention Basin, Raingarden, and Bioswale Native Seed Mix
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Quick View - Seed Mix Specifications
Quick View - Seed Mix Specifications
Seeding Rate: 7.8 lb/acre (107 seeds/square foot)
| Common Name | Scientific Name | % of Mix | Seeds/ft2 | Total | |||||||||
|
Grasses Big Bluestem |
Andropogon gerardii | 9.62% | 2.8 | 0.750 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Bluejoint Grass | Calamagrostis canadensis | 0.20% | 1.6 | 0.016 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Canada Wild Rye | Elymus canadensis | 20.04% | 3.0 | 1.563 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Virginia Wild Rye | Elymus virginicus | 20.04% | 2.4 | 1.563 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Fowl Manna Grass | Glyceria striata | 0.80% | 3.7 | 0.063 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Rice Cut Grass | Leersia oryzoides | 0.80% | 0.8 | 0.063 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Switchgrass | Panicum virgatum | 3.21% | 1.3 | 0.250 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Indiangrass | Sorghastrum nutans | 9.49% | 3.3 | 0.740 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Prairie Cord Grass | Spartina pectinata | 0.80% | 0.2 | 0.063 PLS lb | |||||||||
|
Sedges & Rushes Bottlebrush Sedge |
Carex comosa | 2.05% | 1.8 | 0.160 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Fringed Sedge | Carex crinita | 1.60% | 1.1 | 0.125 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Porcupine Sedge | Carex hystericina | 2.05% | 1.8 | 0.160 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Pointed-broom Sedge | Carex scoparia | 1.54% | 3.7 | 0.120 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Common Fox Sedge | Carex stipata | 0.60% | 0.6 | 0.047 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Brown Fox Sedge | Carex vulpinoidea | 1.28% | 3.7 | 0.100 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Common Rush | Juncus effusus | 0.26% | 7.3 | 0.020 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Dark Green Bulrush | Scirpus atrovirens | 0.51% | 6.8 | 0.040 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Woolgrass | Scirpus cyperinus | 0.26% | 12.5 | 0.020 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Softstem Bulrush | Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani | 1.60% | 1.4 | 0.125 PLS lb | |||||||||
|
Forbs Sweet Flag |
Acorus americanus | 1.60% | 0.3 | 0.125 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Water Plantain | Alisma subcordatum | 0.77% | 1.3 | 0.060 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Canada Anemone | Anemone canadensis | 0.40% | 0.1 | 0.031 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Angelica | Angelica atropurpurea | 1.60% | 0.2 | 0.125 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Swamp Milkweed | Asclepias incarnata | 0.80% | 0.1 | 0.063 PLS lb | |||||||||
| New England Aster | Symphyotrichum novae-angliae | 0.40% | 0.8 | 0.031 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Joe Pye Weed | Eutrochium maculatum | 0.80% | 2.2 | 0.063 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Boneset | Eupatorium perfoliatum | 0.80% | 3.7 | 0.063 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Sneezeweed | Helenium autumnale | 1.20% | 4.5 | 0.094 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Ox-eye Sunflower | Heliopsis helianthoides | 2.57% | 0.5 | 0.200 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Great St. John's Wort | Hypericum ascyron | 1.60% | 8.7 | 0.125 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Great Blue Lobelia | Lobelia siphilitica | 0.32% | 4.6 | 0.025 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Virginia Mountain Mint | Pycnanthemum virginianum | 0.32% | 2.0 | 0.025 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Black-eyed Susan | Rudbeckia hirta | 3.21% | 8.4 | 0.250 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Sweet Black-eyed Susan | Rudbeckia subtomentosa | 1.20% | 1.5 | 0.094 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Prairie Dock | Silphium terebinthinaceum | 0.80% | 0.0 | 0.063 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Stiff Goldenrod | Solidago rigida | 1.60% | 1.9 | 0.125 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Purple Meadow Rue | Thalictrum dasycarpum | 0.80% | 0.3 | 0.063 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Blue Vervain | Verbena hastata | 2.41% | 6.4 | 0.188 PLS lb | |||||||||
Substitutions may be necessary based on availability at the time of order.
Pure Live Seed
Pure Live Seed
Seed is provided in Pure Live Seed (PLS) unless otherwise stated.
Pure Live Seed (PLS) refers to the percentage of a seed lot that consists of the desired species and is viable (capable of germination).
Here's why PLS is crucial for native seeds:
-
Accurate Planting:
- PLS helps determine the actual number of viable seeds in a given weight or volume of seed.
- This ensures you plant the correct amount of seed to achieve the desired density and success rate.
-
Cost-Effectiveness:
- By knowing the PLS, you can avoid overspending on seed that may not germinate.
- This is especially important for native seeds, which can be more expensive than some cultivated varieties.
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Weed Control:
- PLS helps minimize the presence of weed seeds within the seed lot.
- This reduces competition for resources and ensures the successful establishment of the desired native plants.
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Ecological Restoration:
- Using high-quality native seeds with a high PLS is essential for successful ecological restoration projects.
- It helps to re-establish diverse and resilient plant communities that support local wildlife.
Detention Basin, Raingarden, and Bioswale Native Seed Mix (Detention Basin, Raingarden, and Bioswale Native Seed Mix) is a keystone Midwest native species highly prized by restoration ecologists, landscape architects, and home gardeners. Known for its strong ecological resilience, exceptional wildlife support, and a floristic high conservation value, this hardy perennial thrives in full sun to partial shade across mesic to wet (rain gardens, bioswales & basins) soils. Whether you are creating a dedicated pollinator garden, stabilizing soil on slopes, or restoring remnant prairie and woodland acreage, Natural Communities supplies this species in dependable formats—including deep-cell live plugs, bare-root stock, individual seed packets, and bulk Pure Live Seed (PLS) by weight.
Comprehensive Ecological & Growth Specifications
| Regional Native Status | Native |
| Native Range (States) | AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV |
| Midwest & Regional County Distribution | IL: Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Will, Kendall, Boone, Winnebago, DeKalb, LaSalle, Grundy; WI: Kenosha, Racine, Walworth, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Dane, Rock, Jefferson; IN: Lake, Porter, LaPorte |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | Zone 3 - 8 |
| Soil Moisture Range | Mesic to Wet (Rain Gardens, Bioswales & Basins) |
| Soil pH Range | 5.5 - 7.5 |
| Root Architecture & Depth | Deep Fibrous / Taproot System (12+ Depth) |
| Deer & Wildlife Resistance | High to Moderate |
| Drought Tolerance | Medium |
| Larval Host Status | Specialist Native Lepidoptera & Native Pollinators |
| Specialist Insects & Wildlife Support | Native Solitary Mining Bees (Andrena, Lasioglossum spp.), Bumblebees (Bombus spp. - Nectar & Pollen), Beneficial Flower Flies (Syrphidae), Native Songbirds (Winter Seed Forage) |
| Recommended Plug Spacing | 12 to 18 on-center |
| Seed Packet Coverage | Covers 100 to 250 sq. ft. |
| Seeds Per Pound | 100000.0 |
| Broadcast Seeding Rate (PLS) | 8.0 – 12.5 lbs/acre PLS |
| Drill Seeding Rate (PLS) | 5.0 – 8.5 lbs/acre PLS |
| Recommended Cover Crop | Oats (Spring @ 20–30 lbs/ac) or Winter Wheat (Fall @ 15–20 lbs/ac) |
Botanical Profile & Ecological Characteristics
Detention Basin, Raingarden, and Bioswale Native Seed Mix plays a critical role in establishing healthy, diverse native plant communities throughout the Midwest. Adapted over thousands of years to regional climate patterns, seasonal temperature extremes, and variable moisture conditions, it develops a resilient root architecture (deep fibrous / taproot system (12"+ depth)) that builds soil organic matter, improves water infiltration, and resists environmental stress.
This workhorse mix is designed exactly for what it is named - Detention Basin, Rain garden, Bioswale Native Seed Mix. We have put a lot of thought into the versatility of native seed mix so you don't have to. It is a broad spectrum native wildflower, sedge, grass, and rush mix that works from wet to dry-mesic conditions and any spectrum in between. If prepared correctly this native seed mix establishes relatively easily and performs well in high stormwater bounce situations.
Plus this mix attracts pollinators, such as butterflies including the monarch, hummingbirds, and many more wildlife species.
This mix is composed of 56% of sedge, grass, and rush species by seed count to compete in the tough conditions found in the detention Basin, rain gardens, and bioswale areas!!!!
*This seed mix includes 39 species including 8 native grasses, 10 sedge and rush species, and 20 native flowers.
Use this as your base and add diversity by supplementing with plants.
- Apply for a wholesale account to receive your wholesale discount.
- Please Specify Any Mixing Instructions Upon Order
- Requires Cold Moist Stratification
- Full Sun To Part Sun
- Wet to Dry-Mesic Soils
- Don't forget the cover crop.
*Provided as Pure Live Seed
*All mixes may vary in % composition and species composition based upon availability.
All seed sales are final and can not be returned because they are custom mixed at the time of purchase.
Faunal Associations & Specialist Wildlife Support
As a vital resource in native ecosystems, Detention Basin, Raingarden, and Bioswale Native Seed Mix provides essential sustenance across multiple trophic levels:
- Larval Host & Pollinator Support: Specialist Native Lepidoptera & Native Pollinators.
- Specialist Floral Visitors: Native Solitary Mining Bees (Andrena, Lasioglossum spp.), Bumblebees (Bombus spp. - Nectar & Pollen), Beneficial Flower Flies (Syrphidae), Native Songbirds (Winter Seed Forage).
- Avian & Insect Forage: Flowers provide dense, accessible nectar and pollen during the peak growing season, followed by nutritious seed heads that feed native songbirds and overwintering wildlife.
Landscape Applications & Restoration Guidelines
Detention Basin, Raingarden, and Bioswale Native Seed Mix is well-suited for home landscaping borders, rain gardens, naturalized meadows, and conservation acreage alike.
- Plug Spacing: Space live plugs approximately 12" to 18" on-center for optimal crown development and contiguous ground coverage.
- Broadcast Seeding Rate: 8.0 – 12.5 lbs/acre PLS (when included in diverse prairie seed mixes).
- Drill Seeding Rate: 5.0 – 8.5 lbs/acre PLS for agricultural or native seed drill installations.
- Regional Provenance: Sourced and propagated from regionally adapted Midwest ecotypes for maximum ecological fitness and cold hardiness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the ideal growing conditions for Detention Basin, Raingarden, and Bioswale Native Seed Mix?
Detention Basin, Raingarden, and Bioswale Native Seed Mix performs best in full sun to partial shade with mesic to wet (rain gardens, bioswales & basins) conditions. It thrives in authentic regional soil types ranging from sandy loam to well-drained clay loams.
How do I germinate and establish Detention Basin, Raingarden, and Bioswale Native Seed Mix from seed?
Seed of Detention Basin, Raingarden, and Bioswale Native Seed Mix has a germination code of C(30). For best results, sow seed in late fall/winter for natural outdoor freeze-thaw stratification, or cold-moist stratify in refrigeration for 30 to 60 days before spring indoor propagation.
Is Detention Basin, Raingarden, and Bioswale Native Seed Mix deer and herbivore resistant?
Yes. Native plants adapted to Midwestern habitats naturally produce protective secondary compounds and fibrous textures that make them highly resistant to deer, rabbits, and other grazing herbivores.
When should I expect Detention Basin, Raingarden, and Bioswale Native Seed Mix to emerge and bloom?
Established plants break dormancy in spring as soil temperatures warm, developing vigorous foliage before blooming in their seasonal window to provide vital nectar when native pollinators need it most.
Shipping & Care
Shipping & Care
Seed ships all year and typically ships within a week of an order being placed.
We have attempted to put together some basic information regarding native seed installation, establishment, and maintenance. We hope you find it helpful. If you need further assistance on native seed establishment, please schedule a free consolation call here.
Consultation Services
Ecosystem Restoration Considerations
Native Seed Establishment Best Management Practices
Native Seed Stratification Best Management Practices
Solving a Site Problem? Get Expert Advice + Get Store Credit
Whether you're fighting severe erosion, replacing invasive species, designing a pollinator haven, or seeding large acreage, choosing the wrong species wastes time and money. Talk 1-on-1 with a restoration ecologist to map out the exact species, plug counts, or seed mixes for your soil and goals. Book a consultation and get all or a portion credited directly back to your order.