Where does NSN get species lists and recommendations and what is the difference between the two?
Species lists are simply lists of species you would expect to find in a particular ecoregion or community. Species recommendations are shorter lists of species targeted for restoration and commercial production. We developed species recommendations because it is technically very difficult to determine which native species to plant and where to plant. Land managers often need help selecting plants for restoration, and producers need help anticipating demand. Our species recommendations have been selected by regional experts for attributes such as community dominance, fast growth, wildlife forage, and ease of cultivation. All lists are a work in progress. We invite and encourage you to be a part of this process. Please contact us with your suggestions of species to include or omit. Species lists have been obtained from a variety of sources including the USDA Plants Database, herbarium records, and floras. Species recommendations have been obtained from native seed workshops, agency botan
