Expanded Diversity Add-On — Native Prairie Seed Mix

Add 21 species to a sunny prairie planting. Expanded adds a finer grass-and-sedge layer, more flower forms and slower-developing plants such as Prairie Dropseed and Lead Plant. Plan for mesic to dry-mesic conditions and variable height. Use with a foundation mix or for carefully planned interseeding.

Images are representative of seasonal appearance. Actual results vary with site conditions, establishment and management.

This listing contains only the 21-species Expanded Diversity Add-On. It is shared by the Mixed-Height and Shorter-Grass families at the same per-acre rates and can be bought initially or later for interseeding. It is a supplement rather than a complete foundation for a bare site.

Mixed-Height Native Prairie Seed Mix · Maximum Diversity Add-On

Site conditions

Light and setting: Plan for an open, sunny prairie site. Evaluate shade, drainage and existing vegetation before choosing the mix.

Soil moisture: The recipe brings together plants with different moisture preferences. Match the overall plan to mesic or dry-mesic prairie conditions, and assess wetter or very dry areas separately. Some ingredients favor moister pockets; others favor lean, well-drained ground.

Height: A variable canopy with lower layers and taller accents. Neither the Mixed-Height foundation nor the shared add-ons has a fixed height ceiling.

Coverage sizes and 1,000 sq ft specifications

Choose a 1,000-sq-ft packet, a 1/4-acre package, or one complete package from 0.5 to 5.0 acres in 0.1-acre steps. For example, choose 0.7 acre for a 30,492-sq-ft planting. Match coverage areas when combining components. One acre equals 43,560 sq ft; 1,000 sq ft is approximately 0.02296 acre. The table below shows reference quantities for this component. Request a quote for a larger project.

The recipe is scaled by planting area. The 1,000-sq-ft packet covers an area such as 20 by 50 feet at the published rate. The reference sizes below show the PLS quantity for this component only; adding diversity components adds their separate seed quantities.

PLS expresses viable seed content, not gross bag or shipping weight. Actual bulk weight depends on lot purity and germination. Seed counts and PLS weights do not predict mature plant cover. Rounded rows may not add precisely to the stated component total.

Blend ingredients

21 species; 1.352 PLS lb/acre; 21.83 seeds/sq ft. Quoted proportions are by PLS weight, not mature cover.

View Mix Specifications

Why these species belong in the planting

Each species contributes a different combination of growth form, season or habitat value. The notes below describe established plants on suitable sites; they do not guarantee germination, abundance or wildlife visits.

Informed by established ecological restoration practice

Research supports starting with a diverse, site-appropriate native seed mix to help build lasting diversity. You can also enrich an existing planting over time with diversity add-ons and targeted management.

Research on starting diversity: Larson et al. (2017) · Barak et al. (2023).

Prairie building rewards patience. Expanded adds Rosinweed, Prairie Dropseed and other species that can bring richer composition as a planting matures. Give slower-developing plants time to establish, and monitor how they respond to your site's conditions and management.

Make your restoration budget go further

Approved Stewardship Circle participants receive 25% off retail native plants and seed. Conservation professionals, volunteers, and members or supporters of qualifying conservation organizations can apply. There is no program membership fee.

Already supporting a land trust or conservation organization? Your involvement may qualify you. If you are considering joining an organization, check eligibility and submit proof with your application. This connects support for conservation with savings on your own planting. Approval is required; organization membership does not automatically activate the discount.

Apply for the Stewardship Circle

Planting and establishment

Prepare suitable seed-to-soil contact and address competing vegetation before sowing. Review our native seed establishment guide and stratification guidance. For established plantings, assess openings and competition before adding seed; broadcasting alone does not assure establishment.

Restoration changes with the seasons, and questions come with it. Book an Introductory Stewardship Consultation for practical guidance on site preparation, installation, species selection and maintenance during years 1–3. You’ll receive written notes and a summary of the discussion to refer back to.

Sessions are approximately one hour, virtual and audio-only. The $25 booking fee returns as $25 Natural Communities store credit after payment is confirmed, which you can use toward native plants and seed.

Explore our planning tools as you prepare. When new challenges arise, you can return for additional consultation; each additional session is booked separately for $25.

Ordering details

Shipping charges are calculated at checkout. Seed ships all year and typically ships within a week of an order being placed.

The add-ons are additional seed only and are shared across the two prairie families.

Availability changes with the crop and season. Species substitutions are reviewed at order time. Regional native suitability does not establish local seed origin: verify lot provenance if your project requires it.

For a truly Short Prairie blend, ask about the separate custom option with a minimum half-acre order.

Rates shown are unchanged from the verified recipe.