Solar Pollinator Mix
Solar Pollinator Mix
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Quick View - Seed Mix Specifications
Quick View - Seed Mix Specifications
Seeding Rate: 10 lb/acre (55.1 seeds/square foot).
| Common Name | Scientific Name | % of Mix | Seeds/ft2 | Total | |||||||||
|
Grasses Sideoats Grama |
Bouteloua curtipendula | 32.50% | 7.2 | 3.250 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Prairie Brome | Bromus kalmii | 5.00% | 1.5 | 0.500 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Slender Wheatgrass | Elymus trachycaulus | 10.00% | 2.5 | 1.000 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Virginia Wild Rye | Elymus virginicus | 11.50% | 1.8 | 1.150 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Little Bluestem | Schizachyrium scoparium | 15.00% | 8.3 | 1.500 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Sand Dropseed | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0.50% | 6.4 | 0.050 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Prairie Dropseed | Sporobolus heterolepis | 0.50% | 0.3 | 0.050 PLS lb | |||||||||
|
Sedges & Rushes Bicknell's Sedge |
Carex bicknellii | 0.50% | 0.3 | 0.050 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Plains Oval Sedge | Carex brevior | 3.00% | 3.2 | 0.300 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Troublesome Sedge | Carex molesta | 0.50% | 0.5 | 0.050 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Brown Fox Sedge | Carex vulpinoidea | 1.00% | 3.7 | 0.100 PLS lb | |||||||||
|
Forbs Common Yarrow |
Achillea millefolium | 0.10% | 0.7 | 0.010 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Anise Hyssop | Agastache foeniculum | 0.20% | 0.7 | 0.020 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Lead Plant | Amorpha canescens | 1.00% | 0.6 | 0.100 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Canada Anemone | Anemone canadensis | 0.20% | 0.1 | 0.020 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Wild Columbine | Aquilegia canadensis | 0.10% | 0.1 | 0.010 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Common Milkweed | Asclepias syriaca | 1.20% | 0.2 | 0.120 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Butterfly Milkweed | Asclepias tuberosa | 0.40% | 0.1 | 0.040 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Canada Milkvetch | Astragalus canadensis | 1.00% | 0.6 | 0.100 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Partridge Pea | Chamaecrista fasciculata | 6.00% | 0.6 | 0.600 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Lanceleaf Coreopsis | Coreopsis lanceolata | 0.80% | 0.6 | 0.080 PLS lb | |||||||||
| White Prairie Clover | Dalea candida | 2.60% | 1.8 | 0.260 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Purple Prairie Clover | Dalea purpurea | 3.00% | 2.0 | 0.300 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Prairie Cinquefoil | Drymocallis arguta | 0.20% | 1.7 | 0.020 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Spotted Bee Balm | Monarda punctata | 0.10% | 0.3 | 0.010 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Foxglove Beardtongue | Penstemon digitalis | 0.60% | 2.9 | 0.060 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Virginia Mountain Mint | Pycnanthemum virginianum | 0.20% | 1.6 | 0.020 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Black-eyed Susan | Rudbeckia hirta | 0.50% | 1.7 | 0.050 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Gray Goldenrod | Solidago nemoralis | 0.20% | 2.2 | 0.020 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Sky Blue Aster | Symphyotrichum oolentangiense | 0.20% | 0.6 | 0.020 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Ohio Spiderwort | Tradescantia ohiensis | 0.40% | 0.1 | 0.040 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Hoary Vervain | Verbena stricta | 0.20% | 0.2 | 0.020 PLS lb | |||||||||
|
Golden Alexanders |
Zizia aurea | 0.80% | 0.3 | 0.080 PLS lb | |||||||||
| Substitutions may be made 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.
-
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.
Solar Pollinator Mix (Solar Pollinator 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 dry to 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, LaSalle, Grundy; WI: Kenosha, Racine, Walworth, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Dane, Rock, Jefferson; IN: Lake, Porter, LaPorte |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | Zone 3 - 8 |
| Soil Moisture Range | Dry to Mesic |
| 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
Solar Pollinator 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.
Using native species in your solar array can save you time, and money and be more environmentally friendly at the same time!
We can and should custom design solar mixes to meet your solar criteria, and budget, and customize the mix to meet your local ecosystem requirements. Plus it's free! Just let us know your needs and we are happy to help.
Pollinator solar seed mixes are designed with function and efficiency at their heart.
First, off it is functional for solar array operations, it contains resilient native species and it is low maintenance. It contains normal to drier species, but also this solar mix has some wetter soil moisture plants to adapt to your site's varying conditions. It has been designed to aid in meeting your SWPPP permit standards fast and yet still resilient and functional for long-term operations as well.
Second, it is functional for pollinators and nature too! Colorful native flowers will bloom through the season and the mix contains native sedges and grasses that will support a multitude of wildlife. Their deep roots help water infiltrate draining your site faster and aid in developing healthier soils.
This mix is designed for sites that are dry to normal soils and need plants that are generally shorter than 3' in height.
Solar Seed Mixes can be fully customized to specifications, height, site, and budget requirements.
- Apply for a wholesale account to receive your wholesale discount.
- Please Specify Any Mixing Instructions Upon Order
- Don't forget the cover crop.
- A $50.00 small mix fee will be added to mixes which cost less than $350.00.
- Payment: Pre-payment is required on all orders unless prior credit has been approved.
- Delivery: Orders can be shipped using SpeeDee Delivery, UPS, or LTL Freight
- Returns: All sales are final Natural Communities, LLC reserves the right to deny a return or to charge a restocking fee.
- Prices, availability, and terms are subject to change without notice.
Faunal Associations & Specialist Wildlife Support
As a vital resource in native ecosystems, Solar Pollinator 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
Solar Pollinator 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 Solar Pollinator Mix?
Solar Pollinator Mix performs best in full sun to partial shade with dry to mesic conditions. It thrives in authentic regional soil types ranging from sandy loam to well-drained clay loams.
How do I germinate and establish Solar Pollinator Mix from seed?
Seed of Solar Pollinator 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 Solar Pollinator 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 Solar Pollinator 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.