How to select plants

If nothing else, reestablishing functioning plant communities gives one a greater appreciation for Mother Nature. What seems like a natural process requires a lot of planning and effort. Project planning, site preparation, planting and post-plant care can require expertise in numerous disciplines.

Acquiring suitable plant materials may be just one part of a successful restoration project, but it is the cornerstone. Selecting the right plants and stock-types will go a long ways toward achieving intended results.

Becoming familiar with the weather, soils, surface and subsurface moisture regimes, exposure, past land use, and potential weed and pest problems is an important initial step in the selection process. Every planting site will be unique. Some sites may appear more challenging than others. But one of the beautiful things about the plant kingdom is that one can be assured there are suitable species adapted to that site.

The following list of criteria should be considered when developing a species list for a planting project. Plants selected for a planting project should posses the following characteristics:

• Adaptability: Plant species should be well adapted to the planting site. Marginally adapted species can become the host for numerous pests and diseases, and associated environmental stresses may lead to reduced vigor and increased mortality. Most of the species grown at the PMC are adapted to a wide range of sites.
• Vigor: Vigorous, fast growing plants establish sooner than slow growing ones, and therefore result in higher success. Most of the species are moderately vigorous and tolerant of exposed sites.
• Non-Invasive: Introducing an invasive species onto a disturbed site can cause more problems than it solves. Most, but not all, of the species grown at the PMC are native to the state. It is important to determine whether any species native or not, have the potential to become invasive.