Iowa Native Species Directory Assures Quality and Origin of Seed

AMES, Iowa — Are you looking for quality native Iowa seed to plant this year? The Iowa Crop Improvement Association (ICIA) publishes the Native Species Directory as a resource for finding quality seeds that are native to Iowa. The Native Species Directory contains seed production information for more than 150 Iowa plant species that have been certified by ICIA. The plants include cool and warm season grasses, legumes, sedges and rushes, shrubs and other forbs. The association encourages consumers to request analysis information when making seed purchases. Certification means the seed has been inspected, tested, labeled and certified as a Source Identified or Selected class seed. The certification process ensures that consumers are purchasing quality seed. The Native Species Directory is free and available by contacting ICIA at (515) 294-6921 or iowacrop@iastate.edu.