Savanna & Woodland Native Seed Packet - 35 Midwest Species for Restoration & Invasive Control
Savanna & Woodland Native Seed Packet - 35 Midwest Species for Restoration & Invasive Control
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Quick View - Seed Mix Specifications
Quick View - Seed Mix Specifications
Seeding Rate: 14.1 lb/acre (80.2 seeds/square foot)
1,000 ft2 @ 3.20 ounces/packet.
| Common Name | Scientific Name | % of Mix | Seeds/ft2 | Total | ||
| Grasses Sideoats Grama |
Bouteloua curtipendula | 15.07% | 4.7 | 0.754 PLS lb | ||
| Canada Wild Rye | Elymus canadensis | 21.28% | 5.7 | 1.064 PLS lb | ||
| Riverbank Wild Rye | Elymus riparius | 7.09% | 1.1 | 0.355 PLS lb | ||
| Virginia Wild Rye | Elymus virginicus | 21.28% | 4.6 | 1.064 PLS lb | ||
| Fowl Manna Grass | Glyceria striata | 0.60% | 5.0 | 0.030 PLS lb | ||
| Bottlebrush Grass | Elymus hystrix | 3.55% | 0.6 | 0.177 PLS lb | ||
| Path Rush | Juncus tenuis | 0.11% | 5.7 | 0.006 PLS lb | ||
| Little Bluestem | Schizachyrium scoparium | 2.66% | 2.1 | 0.133 PLS lb | ||
| Sedges & Rushes Plains Oval Sedge |
Carex brevior | 3.97% | 6.0 | 0.199 PLS lb | ||
| Troublesome Sedge | Carex molesta | 3.12% | 4.0 | 0.156 PLS lb | ||
| Forbs Anise Hyssop |
Agastache foeniculum | 0.99% | 4.6 | 0.050 PLS lb | ||
| Wild Garlic | Allium canadense | 0.85% | 0.0 | 0.043 PLS lb | ||
| Nodding Onion | Allium cernuum | 0.71% | 0.3 | 0.035 PLS lb | ||
| Tall Thimbleweed | Anemone virginiana | 0.14% | 0.2 | 0.007 PLS lb | ||
| Wild Columbine | Aquilegia canadensis | 0.28% | 0.6 | 0.014 PLS lb | ||
| Common Milkweed | Asclepias syriaca | 1.13% | 0.2 | 0.057 PLS lb | ||
| Calico Aster | Symphyotrichum lateriflorum | 0.14% | 1.8 | 0.007 PLS lb | ||
| Tall Coreopsis | Coreopsis tripteris | 0.57% | 0.4 | 0.028 PLS lb | ||
| Showy Tick Trefoil | Desmodium canadense | 0.07% | 0.0 | 0.004 PLS lb | ||
| Purple Coneflower | Echinacea purpurea | 3.40% | 1.2 | 0.170 PLS lb | ||
| Sweet Joe Pye Weed | Eutrochium purpureum | 1.13% | 2.5 | 0.057 PLS lb | ||
| Ox-eye Sunflower | Heliopsis helianthoides | 3.55% | 1.2 | 0.177 PLS lb | ||
| Stiff Sunflower | Helianthus pauciflorus | 0.07% | 0.0 | 0.004 PLS lb | ||
| False Boneset | Brickellia eupatorioides | 0.28% | 0.5 | 0.014 PLS lb | ||
| Wild Bergamot | Monarda fistulosa | 1.42% | 5.1 | 0.071 PLS lb | ||
| Sweet Cicely | Osmorhiza claytonii | 0.28% | 0.0 | 0.014 PLS lb | ||
| Foxglove Beardtongue | Penstemon digitalis | 0.85% | 5.7 | 0.043 PLS lb | ||
| Solomon's Seal | Polygonatum biflorum | 0.28% | 0.0 | 0.014 PLS lb | ||
| Black-eyed Susan | Rudbeckia hirta | 1.12% | 5.3 | 0.056 PLS lb | ||
| Late Figwort | Scrophularia marilandica | 0.43% | 3.7 | 0.021 PLS lb | ||
| Solomon's Plume | Maianthemum racemosum | 0.85% | 0.0 | 0.043 PLS lb | ||
| Early Meadow Rue | Thalictrum dioicum | 0.28% | 0.1 | 0.014 PLS lb | ||
| Ohio Spiderwort | Tradescantia ohiensis | 0.85% | 0.4 | 0.043 PLS lb | ||
| Culver's Root | Veronicastrum virginicum | 0.14% | 5.9 | 0.007 PLS lb | ||
| Golden Alexanders | Zizia aurea | 1.42% | 0.8 | 0.071 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:
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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.
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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.
Savanna & Woodland Native Seed Packet - 35 Midwest Species for Restoration & Invasive Control (Savanna & Woodland Native Seed Packet - 35 Midwest Species for Restoration & Invasive Control) 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 C-Value of 5, this hardy perennial thrives in full sun across mesic 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, Ogle, LaSalle, Vermilion; WI: Kenosha, Racine, Walworth, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Dane, Sauk; IN: Lake, Porter, LaPorte, St. Joseph |
| Primary Native Habitats | Mesic Prairies, Open Savannas, Prairie Borders |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | Zone 3 - 8 |
| Sunlight Exposure | Full Sun |
| Soil Moisture Range | Mesic |
| Soil pH Range | 5.5 - 7.5 |
| Height at Maturity | 2'-3' |
| Spread & Growth Habit | Clumping / Well-Mannered (Non-aggressive) |
| Root Architecture & Depth | Deep Taproot System (18+ Depth) |
| Deer & Wildlife Resistance | High to Moderate |
| Drought Tolerance | Medium |
| Salt Tolerance | Low to Moderate |
| 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) |
| Ecological Function | High Drought & Heat Resilience, Erosion Control on Dry Slopes & Kames, Early/Late Pollinator Forage Hub, Root Biomass & Soil Structure Improvement |
| Coefficient of Conservatism (C-Value) | 5 |
| Germination Code / Stratification | C(30) |
| ACOE Wetland Indicator Status | FAC |
| Recommended Plug Spacing | 12 to 18 on-center |
| Plant Associates | Carex pensylvanica (Common Oak Sedge or Pennsylvania sedge), Geranium maculatum (Wild Geranium), Aquilegia canadensis (Wild Columbine), Polygonatum biflorum var. commutatum (Great Solomon's Seal), Dodecatheon meadia (Midland Shooting Star), Elymus hystrix or Elymus patula (Bottlebrush Grass) |
| Seed Packet Coverage | Covers 100 to 250 sq. ft. |
| Seeds Per Pound | 100000.0 |
| Broadcast Seeding Rate (PLS) | 1.50 – 3.00 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) |
| Toxicity & Pet Safety | Non-toxic / Safe for native wildlife & domestic pets |
Botanical Profile & Ecological Characteristics
Savanna & Woodland Native Seed Packet - 35 Midwest Species for Restoration & Invasive Control 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 taproot system (18"+ depth)) that builds soil organic matter, improves water infiltration, and resists environmental stress.
Savanna & Woodland Native Seed Packet
Inspired by the iconic oak savannas and open woodlands of the Midwest, the Savanna & Woodland Native Seed Mix contains 35 native species to restore biodiversity, strengthen ecological resilience, and outcompete invasives like buckthorn. Ideal for initiating new restoration projects or overseeding existing sunny woodlands, this diverse blend combines beauty with performance to establish long-lasting ecological health.
Key Benefits
- 35 species: 26 forbs, 8 grasses, and 2 sedges
- Designed for oak savanna and woodland restoration
- Suppresses buckthorn, invasive grasses, and herbaceous weeds
- Provides food and habitat for butterflies, bees, and pollinators
- Builds long-term resilience through biodiversity
Growing Conditions
- Sunlight: Mostly sunny to part shade
- Soil Types: Wet-mesic to dry-mesic soils
- Special Requirements: Cold moist stratification required for germination
Seeding Rate & Planting Notes
- Pre-mixed for convenience
- Standard seeding rate recommended; double if weed pressure is high
- Consider supplementing with plugs of Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania sedge) for added groundcover
- Add live plants for hard-to-germinate woodland flowers and greater diversity
Composition by Seed Count
- 51% forbs (wildflowers)
- 37% grasses
- 13% sedges and rushes
Additional Notes
- Provided as Pure Live Seed (PLS)
- All mixes may vary in % composition and species based on availability
- All seed sales are final; mixes are custom-prepared at the time of purchase
- Don't forget the cover crop.
This mix draws its inspiration from oak savannas and open woodlands of the Midwest! Perfect for installing at the start of restoration or overseeding sunny woodlands that need an assist, the mix contains some of the native species to kickstart and maintain the healing process, creating competition for the pesky buckthorn and other invasives.
If you anticipate high weed pressures from recent removals of herbaceous and/or woody invasives, consider doubling the seeding rate to challenge the unwelcome species.
We passionately believe that Carex pensylvanica (Common Oak Sedge or Pennsylvania sedge) is invaluable to Midwest woodlands! Unfortunately, it doesn't usually yield enough seed for us to market commercially, which is why we encourage you to add several plug flats to your order—read about it at the link above!
This mix's species are the crucial foundation of woodland wildflowers and restoration plans. However, some native woodland plants are difficult to start from seed and take time to mature. To establish these gorgeous hard-to-germinate gems, consider adding a diverse mix of flowers by installing live plants. Supplemental ephemeral flowers, grasses, and sedges can be found by clicking here.
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, Savanna & Woodland Native Seed Packet - 35 Midwest Species for Restoration & Invasive Control 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.
Native Plant Associates & Community Ecology
In authentic Midwestern habitats—such as Mesic Prairies, Open Savannas, Prairie Borders—Savanna & Woodland Native Seed Packet - 35 Midwest Species for Restoration & Invasive Control naturally co-occurs and establishes balanced, biodiverse communities alongside:
- Carex pensylvanica (Common Oak Sedge or Pennsylvania sedge)
- Geranium maculatum (Wild Geranium)
- Aquilegia canadensis (Wild Columbine)
- Polygonatum biflorum var. commutatum (Great Solomon's Seal)
- Dodecatheon meadia (Midland Shooting Star)
- Elymus hystrix or Elymus patula (Bottlebrush Grass)
Landscape Applications & Restoration Guidelines
Savanna & Woodland Native Seed Packet - 35 Midwest Species for Restoration & Invasive Control 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: 1.50 – 3.00 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 Savanna & Woodland Native Seed Packet - 35 Midwest Species for Restoration & Invasive Control?
Savanna & Woodland Native Seed Packet - 35 Midwest Species for Restoration & Invasive Control performs best in full sun with mesic conditions. It thrives in authentic regional soil types ranging from sandy loam to well-drained clay loams.
How do I germinate and establish Savanna & Woodland Native Seed Packet - 35 Midwest Species for Restoration & Invasive Control from seed?
Seed of Savanna & Woodland Native Seed Packet - 35 Midwest Species for Restoration & Invasive Control 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 Savanna & Woodland Native Seed Packet - 35 Midwest Species for Restoration & Invasive Control 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 Savanna & Woodland Native Seed Packet - 35 Midwest Species for Restoration & Invasive Control 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.
Questions & Answers
Have a Question?
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Is this good to spread over mulched areas? I have an area in the front and back of my house that gets some, but little sun. I think a good area for woodland/forest floor plants. Columbine grows well there currently. When is a good time to spread in northern IL? November?
Hello, I would not say it's quite desirable to seed on to mulch, however I have seen many native plants germinate in mulch. We have also done many projects where forestry mulching of invasive brush has occurred and seeded on top and that has worked quite well. I would definitely not recommend remulching at any point that will smother the tiny native seedlings. Eventually this mulch will break down into organic soil and the plants will root in permanently.
Right now we are entering the optimal time for native seating and that would actually be great to help work it with a freeze thaw cycle into the mulch a bit better so that would have better what they call seed to soil contact or in this case seed to mulch. As the mulch breaks down the plant should be able to root into the soil. I would say optimal time in Northern Illinois is November through March with the earliest part of the season being the best to get maximum cold moist stratification and freeze thaw work in. If you have any more questions we do have a free consultation service on the front page of our website. We answer these types of questions and any other questions you have regarding preparation maintenance etc in those phone calls. Thanks!