How do restoration specialists choose seeds and seedlings for revegetation?

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wetland restoration — ecological restoration Wetland restoration along the Târnava Mică (Tîrnava Mică) River in Romania. A former gravel mine (left) was transformed into a functional wetland (right).

When selecting seeds, seedlings, or cuttings for revegetation, restoration specialists prioritize species and cultivars that are best suited to both the local environmental conditions and the site’s specific intended uses, such as providing habitat for native wildlife, stabilizing land, or supporting livestock forage.1

Specialists often favor local plants because they are typically well-adapted to the target ecosystem. Alternatively, they may source plant materials from nurseries or seed companies that specialize in varieties tailored to specific environmental requirements.1

A critical goal in this process is to maximize the biodiversity of the site. To achieve this, restorationists collect seeds or propagules from a large number of source individuals. This approach increases the genetic diversity of the restored population, which enhances its resilience against future disturbance events and environmental changes.1