In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

  • Alphabetical listing

How to Use This Directory

Each business is listed alphabetically with essential information about its operation, products, and services. Some businesses chose to pay for an enhanced listing that includes their name in larger print, their URL, and a more detailed description.

The location index provides an alphabetical listing of business by state, province, or insular area and by whether they produce plants or seeds.

Please remember that directories are out-of-date as soon as they are printed. Although precautions were taken to include only valid information, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of any given listing.

The 2013 Directory

The basis for our directory is the database maintained by the USDA Forest Service, Reforestation, Nurseries and Genetics Resources (RNGR) team. Each year, representatives from the University of Georgia, Southern Regional Extension Forestry (SREF) contact one-third of the list to verify information. The database is also available and searchable on the RNGR website (http://www.rngr.net), which also holds a vast amount of information about growing native plants.


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To report an error or omission, please contact SREF at directory@rngr.net.

In addition, each producer of native plant materials will have an opportunity to publish a free basic listing, a standard listing free to subscribers of the journal (nominal fee to nonsubscribers), or an enhanced listing for an additional fee. For more information about this service or to report errors in current listings, please contact University Wisconsin Press, Customer Service, Native Plants Journal Materials Directory, 1930 Monroe Street, 3rd Floor, Madison WI 53711; Ph 608. 263.0668 Fax toll-free in the US 800.258.3632; E-mail jour nals@uwpress.wisc.edu.

Considerations When Purchasing Native Plant Materials

One of the most important differences between native plant materials and ornamental nursery stock is that natives are usually outplanted in relatively harsh environments generally without any subsequent care. Here are a few other things to keep in mind.

Source-Identified

Native plant materials are usually source-identified, which means that the seeds or cuttings can be traced back to their collection location. Conversely, most ornamentals are introduced species that have been selected for form or color, not source of origin. The importance of proper source identification cannot be overstated—local sources are assumed to be best unless scientific data prove otherwise. It’s always a good idea to ask seed and plant producers what sources they have available, rather than asking if they have a particular source in stock.

Locally Adapted

In addition to selecting the proper species and genetic source (source-identified), native plant materials must be properly acclimated or processed (hardened) so that they will survive and grow under the climatic conditions of the project site. Although the species may be “locally adapted” to grow on a particular site, if it has not been properly hardened its survival and growth will be poor. The question of whether plant materials will be hardy on the outplanting site is often overlooked.

Selecting a Nursery and (or) a Seed Producer

Native plant customers should visit local nurseries and seed production facilities and talk to the personnel. Take a walk [End Page 120] around the operation and look at the current crop. In nurseries, remember to check the quality of the root systems as well as the shoots. In a seed production facility, check for weeds and vitality of the plants. Ask for a customer list and search out others who have purchased seeds or other plant materials. Inquire about the reputations of your potential vendors, including the success of their materials on outplanting sites.

Other Business Services

Traditionally, nurseries and seed producers merely grew plants and seeds for sale, but the current trend is to go beyond propagation to a broader range of services. Nowadays, native plant growers offer a variety of services, depending on their facilities and expertise. An increasing number of progressive nurseries provide a full range of services, from seed collection and processing, plant propagation and storage, through outplanting and follow-up care.

Communication Is Essential

Buyers of native plant materials should consider the nursery manager or seed producer as a partner in their planting project and...

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