The Tallgrass Prairie Center restores native vegetation for the benefit of society and environment through research, education, and technology.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


Where do I get prairie seed?

The prairie seed industry is well developed in Iowa. A native species seed directory produced by Iowa Crop Improvement Association can be found here.

What should I plant?

Our research compared the above ground biomass production utilizing four different seed mixes. Based upon our research, in order to maximize biomass production of perennial prairie plants, sixteen species of both grasses and wildflowers should to be included in the seed mix (Figure 1, Table 1). Our biomass mix includes species that can be planted throughout the state and can grow in poorly drained to excessively drained soil types. The biomass mix exceeds NRCS guidelines for conservation planting (Table 1). To enhance the conservation benefits, additional wildflower species can be added to the biomass mix. We recommend planting source identified “Iowa Yellow Tag” seed. This is your guarantee that the seed was derived from Iowa prairie remnants.

Email: dave.williams@uni.edu | Phone: 319-273-7957