• Mesic Tallgrass Prairie Native Seed Mix – 40 species wildflowers and grasses perfect for attracting pollinators including Monarch Butterflies.
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Mesic Tallgrass Prairie Native Seed Mix – 40 Species for Pollinators & Prairie Restoration

Mesic Tallgrass Prairie Native Seed Mix – 40 Species for Pollinators & Prairie Restoration

$ 45.57
$ 45.57
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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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
Seed Mix Specifications

Bring the vibrant life of tallgrass prairie to your landscape with the Mesic Tallgrass Prairie Native Seed Mix. Featuring 40 native species including 31 wildflowers, 7 grasses, and 2 sedge species, this mix delivers high biodiversity, abundant forbs for pollinators, and adaptability across slightly wet to slightly dry soils. Ideal for restoration projects, prairies, and habitat enhancement. Perfect for creating pollinator habitat, this mix also has two species of milkweed to welcome monarch butterflies! 

This mix has 61% forb, 5% sedges and rushes, and 30% grasses by seed count.

Key Benefits: 

  • High pollinator appeal (milkweeds + diverse wildflower species)
  • Strong forb‐dominant composition for floral color & wildlife habitat
  • Adaptable across moisture gradients: slightly wet → dry soils
  • Helps restore tallgrass prairie ecosystems and support biodiversity
  • Pre‐mixed, pure live seed (PLS) for reliable establishment

Composition & Species Details

  • 40 species total: 31 wildflowers, 7 grasses, 2 sedges 
  • Breakdown: ~61 % forbs, 30 % grasses, ~5 % sedges/rushes by seed count
  • Includes key species like: Big Bluestem, Little Bluestem, Indiangrass, Prairie Dropseed, Swamp and Common Milkweed, Purple Coneflower, Black‐eyed Susan, etc. 

Growing Conditions & Planting Instructions

  • Sunlight: Full sun to part sun 
  • Soil: Slightly wet, normal, or dry soils 
  • Stratification: Requires cold moist stratification for germination 
  • Seeding Rate & Coverage: 1,000 sq ft per 4 oz packet; approx. 11.48 lb/acre (~77.3 seeds/ft²) 

Additional Notes & Tips

  • Seed comes pre‐mixed for convenience; all mixes vary in % composition & species based on availability. 
  • Use this mix as a base; in subsequent years or large properties, supplement with plugs/ seed additions to increase diversity.
  • Don’t forget to include a cover crop to reduce weed competition during establishment.
  • All sales final due to the custom nature of mixes.

Seed

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

View full details

Questions & Answers

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  • Is it too late in the year for me to plant Mesic Shortgrass native seed? I live in Wadsworth, IL, just south of the Wisconsin border in Lake County. And roughly how much seed would I need for an approx 100' x 100' area? The plot is part of my back yard that I've left uncut for around 6 years, but have done prescribed burns on every couple years.

    Hello! Typically earlier in the season would be more optimal, but I still believe you are in the very good time period to install seed. Native sedges and flowers need cold moist stratification to germinate. We will still have cool mornings and nights and you still will get that for those to germinate. We are also having a pretty decent rainy spring which is also in your favor. 100x100 ft is 10,000 square feet so 2 x 5,000 square foot seed packets mix would be absolutely perfect for that.

    https://naturalcommunities.net/products/mesic-short-prairie-native-seed-mix-packet?variant=47596225691879


    If you have any more questions please feel to reach out at wholesale@naturalcommunities.net

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