Benefits of using local-ecotype seed:

• adapted to the planting site.
• they are not overly aggressive, so they work well in diverse mixes.

Using local-ecotype seed can prevent problems:

• non-local seed can fail to grow in sites too far from its origin.
• cultivars are bred for particular qualities (large size, aggressive growth, and resistance to diseases, etc). They can be overly aggressive and dominate mixed plantings, lowering diversity.
• non-native seed risks becoming invasive in the future.
• non-local and improved varieties of native plants may interbreed with plants in local prairies, alter their genetic makeup, and reduce their adaptability to local conditions.

Benefits of high-diversity plantings:

• provide better habitat for wildlife, and require less management to maintain that habitat quality.
• are more consistent pollen and nectar sources for native pollinators.
• lead to higher diversities of native insects, birds, and wildlife.
• increases resistance to invasive weeds.