Common, showy, and perennial species dominate a restoration species pool

Native seed vendors are a primary source of germplasm for restoration projects; however, most plant species not commercially available. Preferences in the types that grow and sell may limit similarity between reference communities reconstructed ones established from mixes. We tested whether pool shows preference certain groups species, focusing on Ozark Highland Ecoregion (midcontinent United States). identified 1,082 candidate herbaceous appropriate projects upland habitats this region, then surveyed nine regional to assess their commercial availability. Commercially available were more likely be forbs over graminoids, perennials annuals, common with larger ranges moderate conservatism scores. Within forbs, taller those longer bloom durations favored. Species affinity open (e.g. grassland) multiple than woodlands forests. Encouragingly, 454 (42%) However, means region included mixes, unless they hand-collected remnant populations. This favors showy which is consistent previous studies showing these kinds tend dominate mixes restored communities. 39 any surveyed, we recommend as candidates expansion pool.