Native Plant Selection for Buffers
Guide to selecting native plants for buffers, helping match species to site, purpose and local conditions. Work through the steps in order and keep notes on what you find along the way.
Download free PDF1 page, US Letter, prints clean in black and white
GuideSoil, Water & ConservationFree PDF
The steps on this page
- Define the buffer purpose
- Note soil, moisture and light
- Find native plant lists for your area
- Choose species for each zone
- Check wildlife and pollinator value
- Source plants locally
- Check for invasive risks
- Plan planting and early care
- Record choices details
How to use this guide
Read the steps once through before you start, then keep the page nearby while you work. Use the notes lines to add what your own setup needs.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with USDA NRCS and eXtension.
For more in this area, see the crop planting calendar. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Panhandle Packing Plant: Texas Ranchers Borrow $24.6 Million, and farming farm stories.