Native Plant Materials Research Articles

Intraspecific functional trait structure of restoration‐relevant species: Implications for restoration seed sourcing

Abstract Recent research has highlighted the existence of significant intraspecific trait variation within and among populations of plant species. This inherent variation within species means there is a wealth of trait diversity from which to source germplasm for use in ecological restoration. However, it remains unclear how to source materials from this pool of trait diversity in order to achieve desired outcomes and support ecosystem function in a restoration context. We provide a framework to study the structure of trait variation across populations and genotypes in an effort to bridge functional trait research with the sourcing of native plant materials for restoration. We investigated the structure of intraspecific functional trait variation in three forb species used in restoration on the Colorado Plateau to (a) understand the structure of functional trait variation within and among populations, and (b) determine if individual and multivariate functional traits differ between populations while accounting for trait variation within and among genotypes. We found considerable functional trait variation at all sampling levels, with variation within populations often surpassing variation among populations. Still, we observed population‐level differences in trait values in 8 of the 12 species‐by‐trait combinations and populations largely segregated in multivariate trait space. Synthesis and applications. Using micropropagation techniques, we uncovered population‐level differences in functional trait variation, suggesting that mixing populations to create restoration germplasm following a regional admixture provenancing approach could lead to increased functional diversity in restorations. However, the substantial trait variation identified within some populations of our study species also suggests a similar potential when utilizing genotypically diverse material from even a single population. Further research on these and other species is needed to understand the structure of intraspecific functional trait variation and how it impacts ecosystem function. The approach outlined in this study can assist researchers in assessing the underlying trait variation present in various restoration materials and provide managers with more detailed information that can help make germplasm sourcing decisions.

Effect of edible plant materials on provitamin A stability and bioaccessibility from extruded whole pearl millet (P. typhoides) composite blends

Blends of cereals and nutrient dense plant materials are increasingly being explored as a strategy for food-to-food fortification in areas of Sub-Saharan Africa, where processing is often applied to enhance product attributes, shelf life and safety. However, little is known regarding the potential impact of these strategies on micronutrient retention and bioaccessibility. In this study whole grain pearl millet (WGM) was blended with carrot powder (source of provitamin A) and Adansonia digitata (Baobab) and Moringa oleifera (Moringa) leaf powders (source of iron) to provide formulations with 25% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for Vitamin A. These blends were extruded to produce instant cereal porridges appropriate for consumer markets. Recovery of provitamin A carotenoid ranged from 60.0 to 90.3% after extrusion with higher recoveries in formulations including Moringa and Baobab. Extrusion had a significant negative (p < 0.05) impact on β-carotene bioaccessibility compared to corresponding dry blends (52% versus 47%; P < 0.05). However, the presence of Baobab in the formulation did enhance provitamin A carotenoid bioaccessibility. These results suggest that extruded blends of native plant materials with whole grain millet has potential to deliver products with stable and bioaccessible provitamin A.

Native Plant Materials Directory

Native Plant Materials Directory

EMERGENCE AND EARLY SEEDLING GROWTH OF DILODENDRON BIPINNATUM RADLK IN DIFFERENT SUBSTRATES

Dilodendron bipinnatum Radlk is a Brazilian native woody species, widely used in landscaping and restoration of degraded lands. Due to the lack of native plant material in commercial nurseries, and very little information is available on the propagation of this study species, we investigated the effect of substrates and identified which is most suitable upon the emergence and early seedlings growth of this study species. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse and the substrates used were: sand, Tropstrato®, chicken manure + red soil (1:1), black soil + red soil (1:1). After 30 days-period, the emergence percentage, emergence speed index, mean emergence time, root and shoot length, and root and shoot dry mass were performed. The most suitable substrates for seedling emergence percentage and emergence speed index were the sand, Tropstrato®, and black soil + red soil substrates. The substrates that added greater dry mass for root and shoot were the black soil + red soil, followed by the Tropstrato®. In conclusion, the Tropstrato® and black soil+ red soil provided the best results for early seedling growth of D. bipinnatum . In addition, black soil + red soil substrate can be produced at the nursery, as its components are easily accessible in nature, and for D. bipinnatum seedlings, it provides similar results as those obtained using the Tropstrato® substrate, with less costs.

Native Seeds in the Marketplace: Meeting Restoration Needs in the Intermountain West, United States

The scale of ecological restoration in the Intermountain West (IW), United States is likely greater than anywhere else in the world. This is largely driven by response to accelerating ecological disturbances and government programs that divert privately owned cropland into soil, water, and wildlife conservation use. While restoration in the IW is challenging due to the region’s aridity, over the past few decades considerable improvement in restoration seeding success has been achieved using native plants instead of the exotic species that have predominated previously. The IW is blessed with an extensive research infrastructure for native plant material development through the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Agricultural Research Service, and the US Forest Service. A high demand for native seeds in the IW allows for a large and diverse product base of grasses, shrubs, and forbs in the form of cultivars, selected-class prevariety germplasms, and source-identified populations. Two sister native seed industries, one based on field cultivation and another based on collection from public wildlands, are likely the largest of their kind in the world. Seed is offered, mostly on a speculative basis, to major markets (e.g., Bureau of Land Management consolidated seed buy, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources seed buy, Conservation Reserve Program). Elements of the IW native seed marketplace (e.g., plant material development and cultivated seed production), may be instructive for the development of broadscale-restoration models appropriate for other parts of the world.

'The want of a proper Gardiner': late Georgian Scottish botanic gardeners as intermediaries of medical and scientific knowledge.

Often overlooked by historians, specialist gardeners with an expert understanding of both native and exotic plant material were central to the teaching and research activities of university botanic gardens. In this article various interrelationships in the late Georgian period will be examined: between the gardener, the garden, the botanic collection, the medical school and ways of knowing. Foregrounding gardeners' narratives will shed light on the ways in which botanic material was gathered and utilized for teaching and research purposes, particularly for medical students, as well as highlighting the importance of the garden as a repository of botanic material for the classroom. In this way, the blurred lines between art and science, skill and scholarly activity, and shared pedagogic practices between botany and anatomy will be revealed.

Seed head photosynthetic light responses in clipped and unclipped sagebrush steppe bunchgrasses

Low seedling establishment limits the long-term success of sagebrush steppe restoration, and the physiological mechanisms underlying this remain unclear. To address this, we measured the photosynthetic light responses and seed head specific length (mg cm−1) of shaded and unshaded seed heads in clipped and unclipped plants to determine if grazing affects reproductive photosynthesis in sagebrush steppe bunchgrasses. We measured responses in an exotic species, Agropyron cristatum (crested wheatgrass) that readily establishes from seed, and two native grasses, Elymus elymoides (squirreltail wild rye) and Psuedororegnaria spicata (bluebunch wheatgrass), which do not. Defoliation did not affect seed head light saturation responses in any of the grasses. Agropyron cristatum seed heads attained higher light-saturated photosynthesis and higher photosynthetic light use efficiencies than the native grasses, consistent with its ability to produce viable seed crops. Defoliation and shading reduced post-anthesis seed head specific masses only in E. elymoides, suggesting this species reproductive effort relies on carbon fixed by the seed head itself. These findings could help in the selection and development of native plant materials with characteristics similar to the successful exotic grass to improve restoration efforts in degraded sagebrush steppe ecosystems.

Phytochemical composition and biological activities of native and in vitro-propagated Micromeria croatica (Pers.) Schott (Lamiaceae).

In vitro culture conditions and kinetin induced quantitative modifications in the production of the major volatile constituents in Micromeriacroatica plantlets. Antimicrobial activity of methanolic extracts obtained from micropropagated and wild-growing plants was evaluated. Micromeria spp. are aromatic plants, many of which were shown to exhibit various biological effects. The present study aimed to determine the content and the composition of the essential oil of in vitro-cultured Micromeria croatica (Pers.) Schott and to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of its methanolic extract,in order to compare its phytochemical profile and biological activity with wild-growing plants. Shoots regenerated on MS medium without plant growth regulators (PGRs) or supplemented with kinetin were used for phytochemical analysis. Essential oils from both native plant material and in vitro-cultivated M. croatica plants, with a total of 44 identified constituents, were dominated by oxygenated monoterpenes. Borneol was the main component detected in wild-growing plants (25.28%) and micropropagated plants grown on PGR-free medium (20.30%). Kinetin treatment led to increased oil yield and favored the production of oxygenated monoterpenes, dominated by geranial (33.53%) and cis-p-mentha-1(7),8-dien-ol (23.69%). The percentage of total sesquiterpenoids in micropropagated plant material was considerably lower than in wild-growing plants. In vitro culture conditions and PGRs affected the production of essential oils, inducing quantitative modifications in the production of the major volatile constituents in M.croatica plantlets. The antimicrobial activity of M. croatica methanolic extracts was investigated using the broth microdilution method. Extracts obtained from in vitro cultures generally exhibited greater antibacterial potential, compared to wild-growing plants. Among six bacterial strains tested, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus were the most sensitive microorganisms. The present study provided evidence that in vitro culture conditions might favorably affect the antimicrobial activity of M. croatica methanolic extracts.

Photosynthetic regulation in seed heads and flag leaves of sagebrush-steppe bunchgrasses.

Native sagebrush-steppe bunchgrass populations are threatened by the spread and dominance of exotic invasive annual grasses, in part due to low, episodic seed production. In contrast, the widespread exotic bunchgrass, crested wheatgrass, readily produces viable seed cohorts. The mechanisms underlying these differences are unclear. To address this, we measured seed head specific mass (gm-2) and net photosynthetic assimilation (A net) as a function of internal [CO2] (A/Ci curves) in pre- and post-anthesis seed heads and flag leaves of crested wheatgrass and four native bunchgrasses to determine if differences in allocation and photosynthetic characteristics of seed heads was consistent with differential reproductive success. Crested wheatgrass seed heads had 2-fold greater specific mass compared to the native grasses, concurrent with greater CO2-saturated photosynthesis (A max), mesophyll carboxylation efficiency (CE), and higher intrinsic water-use efficiency (WUE i ; A net/stomatal conductance (g s)), but with similar relative stomatal limitations to photosynthesis (RSL). Post-anthesis seed head A max, CE, RSL and g s decreased in native grasses, while crested wheatgrass RSL decreased and CE increased dramatically, likely due to tighter coordination between seed head structural changes with stomatal and biochemical dynamics. Our results suggest native sagebrush-steppe bunchgrasses have greater stomatal and structural constraints to reproductive photosynthesis, while the exotic grass has evolved seed heads functionally similar to leaves. This study shows elucidating reproduction-related ecophysiological mechanisms provide understanding of plant attributes that underlie restoration success and could help guide the development of native plant materials with functional attributes needed to overcome demographic bottlenecks that limit their restoration into degraded sagebrush-steppe.

Productivity and Morphologic Traits of Thickspike Wheatgrass, Snake River Wheatgrass, and Their Interspecific Hybrids

Many rangeland restoration sites in the Intermountain West are environmentally challenging due to low precipitation and invasive species competition; thus, more effective native plant materials are needed. We aim to develop improved Snake River wheatgrass (Elymus wawawaiensis) germplasm through hybridization of this widely used bunchgrass with its nearest relative, the rhizomatous thickspike wheatgrass (E. lanceolatus), followed by backcrossing to Snake River wheatgrass. This approach can potentially introduce desirable adaptive traits from thickspike wheatgrass into Snake River wheatgrass. We measured shoot and root dry matter per plant (DMPP), specific leaf area, C:N ratio, and specific root length (SRL) of nine Elymus populations at two planting densities (25 and 7.8 plants m−2) in two repeated field experiments established from transplants in May 2005 and 2006, both at Millville, Utah. Populations included “Bannock” thickspike wheatgrass; “Secar,” “Discovery,” and three experimental Snake River wheatgrass populations; and three interspecific backcross hybrid populations. Compared with Snake River wheatgrass, the backcross hybrids displayed 10.4−33.7% greater shoot DMPP (P < 0.0001) but 12.5−16.5% lower root dry matter (DM) density (P < 0.05) across 6 and 2 comparisons, respectively, resulting in reduced root-to-shoot ratio. Compared with Snake River wheatgrass, Bannock displayed 38.6−158.2% greater shoot DMPP (P < 0.0001) across six comparisons. In addition, Bannock displayed 22.4% lower SLA (P < 0.01) and 11.1% higher C:N ratio (P < 0.05) than Snake River wheatgrass and the backcross hybrids, traits suggestive of a low-nutrient growth strategy. These data suggest that Bannock achieved its consistently greater shoot DMPP during each growth period despite such a strategy. Hence, its greater productivity likely relates to a superior temporal and/or spatial ability to sequester resources that fuel growth. In this regard, Bannock displayed similar (P > 0.05) or 17% greater (P < 0.05) root DM density and 13.4% greater (P < 0.05) SRL than Snake River wheatgrass, as well as rhizomes.

Population history provides foundational knowledge for utilizing and developing native plant restoration materials.

A species’ population structure and history are critical pieces of information that can help guide the use of available native plant materials in restoration treatments and decide what new native plant materials should be developed to meet future restoration needs. In the western United States, Pseudoroegneria spicata (bluebunch wheatgrass; Poaceae) is an important component of grassland and shrubland plant communities and commonly used for restoration due to its drought resistance and competitiveness with exotic weeds. We used next‐generation sequencing data to investigate the processes that shaped P. spicata's geographic pattern of genetic variation across the Intermountain West. Pseudoroegneria spicata's genetic diversity is partitioned into populations that likely differentiated since the Last Glacial Maximum. Adjacent populations display varying magnitudes of historical gene flow, with migration rates ranging from multiple migrants per generation to multiple generations per migrant. When considering the commercial germplasm sources available for restoration, genetic identities remain representative of the wildland localities from which germplasm sources were originally developed, and they maintain high levels of heterozygosity and nucleotide diversity. However, the commercial germplasm sources represent a small fraction of the overall genetic diversity of P. spicata in the Intermountain West. Given the low migration rates and long divergence times between some pairs of P. spicata populations, using commercial germplasm sources could facilitate undesirable restoration outcomes when used in certain geographic areas, even if the environment in which the commercial materials thrive is similar to that of the restoration site. As such, population structure and history can be used to provide guidance on what geographic areas may need additional native plant materials so that restoration efforts support species and community resilience and improve outcomes.

Determination of Flavonoids and Phenolic Acids in Plant Materials Using SLE-SPE-UHPLC-MS/MS Method

Today, great emphasis is placed on the search for and dissemination of native plant materials in various industries, with particular emphasis on food, cosmetics, dietary supplements, and as livestock feed and a source of biomass. Solid-liquid extraction (SLE), solid phase extraction (SPE), and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) methods were developed for the simultaneous determination of 30 flavonoids and phenolic acids in plant materials (lucerne (Medicago sativa L.), goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea L.), phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.), buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), and lavender (Lavandula spica L.)). Different SLE methods were tested to evaluate their applicability for the isolation of polyphenols from plants. Then extracts were purified with a C18 reversed-phase SPE cartridge. After extraction, samples were analyzed by UHPLC-MS/MS. The SLE-SPE-UHPLC-MS/MS assay method has been fully validated. For the most compounds, good recoveries and RSDs (< 10%) were obtained. Limits of quantification range from 0.4 to 20 ng/mL. The main phenolic acids in the studied plants have been found to be 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid. Quercetin, rutin, glabridin, and naringenin are the major flavonoids detected in the analyzed samples. The obtained scientific data can be useful to select plant materials with high nutritional value and the presence of many biologically active ingredients, as well as selecting samples used as a plant biomass, as food, and as a component of dietary supplements.

Considering ploidy when producing and using mixed‐source native plant materials for restoration

There is a clear need to maximize the genetic diversity of plant material used in restorations to ensure restored populations are equipped to handle current and future conditions. This increasingly translates to focused efforts to intentionally increase the genetic diversity of seed sources in production and/or restoration settings. For example, multiple populations may be brought together to create plant materials with more genetic diversity than is present in any single population. Recent literature showing minimal risk of outbreeding depression and extensive benefits of genetic rescue has helped justify this approach, with the exception of mixing populations with fixed chromosomal differences. In these cases, extensive loss of fertility may occur after mixing. Some types of incompatible chromosomal differences are difficult to detect and therefore have unknown occurrence and distribution within and among species. However, the most extreme form of chromosomal differences—intraspecific ploidy variation (IPV)—is relatively easy to quantify with current technology and known to be fairly common in angiosperms. To encourage more systematic consideration of IPV in native plant restoration, we used available data on IPV to estimate its incidence in 115 species widely used for restoration in the United States. Over one‐third have IPV. Additional focused research is needed to understand the consequences of IPV for restoration, particularly given the current trend toward mixing natural collections for materials development and use. We provide recommendations to explicitly incorporate the reality of IPV into the production and use of genetically diverse plant materials for restoration.

The European Native Seed Industry: Characterization and Perspectives in Grassland Restoration

The European Union committed to restore 15% of degraded ecosystems by 2020, and to comply with this goal, native plant material, such as seeds, is needed in large quantities. The native seed production of herbaceous species plays a critical role in supplying seed for restoration of a key ecosystem: grasslands. The objective of this work is to provide for the first time a characterization of the sector at a multi-country European level together with key information about the community of native seed users via intensive web-based research and a direct survey of industry participants. Based on more than 1300 contacts and direct surveying of more than 200 stakeholders across Europe, responses indicated that: the European native seed industry consists primarily of small to medium enterprises; responding native seed users purchase annually an average of 3600 kg of seeds with an average expenditure of €17,600; the industry (suppliers and consumers) favours development of seed zones and would participate in a European network for knowledge sharing. This study provides framework principles that can guide decisions in this sector, critical for fulfilling the growing demand for native seed as a primary tool for large-scale restoration on the continent.

Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Native Plants and Local Ecotypes in Ecological Restoration

Many scientists and land managers recommend using local ecotypes for restoration projects. However, there is not a scientific consensus on what constitutes local. To gain information about production and use of locally sourced plant material, we surveyed two stakeholder groups, conservation professionals and nursery professionals, to learn if there were differences between these stakeholder groups in terms of use, sale, or perception of native and local ecotype plant material. Our survey results indicated that both conservation and nursery professionals are aware of the ecological and functional value of native plant communities, and are also familiar with associated plant sourcing issues. However, nursery professionals provide less local ecotype and source-certified plant material in their businesses than would meet the need expressed by conservation professionals for these materials. Conservation professionals also indicated that their organizations did not necessarily have specific guidelines for sourcing local ecotype native plant material. Although nursery professionals are aware of restoration techniques and the usefulness of local ecotypes, this does not appear to translate into provision of larger quantities of native, local ecotype, or source-certified plant material. We found that members of both stakeholder groups rely on trusted authorities and professional training for information, presenting an opportunity to reach both groups through combined workshops to encourage communication and facilitate availability of native plants for restoration.

Relative performance of native cultivar and wild collected seed for grassland restoration

Availability of native plant materials for grassland restoration is limited. Even when available in sufficient quantities for ecological restoration projects, seed germination and establishment in relatively arid environments is often low. Poor revegetation results in soil erosion, invasion by non-native plant species and reduced aesthetics. Therefore, development and use of native plants bred for traits favourable for restoration should be considered. This study addressed whether native cultivar seed, commercially selected for advantageous growth characteristics, could improve native grass species reestablishment relative to wild collected seed. Cultivar and wild seed types of four cool season native grass species were investigated at three foothills fescue grassland reclamation sites: Bromus carinatus (mountain brome), Elymus trachycaulus (slender wheatgrass), Festuca idahoensis (Idaho fescue) and Koeleria macrantha (June grass). Seeding and transplanting were conducted and germination, emergence, density, height and health were determined from 2011 to 2013. No significant differences were detected between cultivar and wild seed types except laboratory germination, which was greater in the Elymus trachycaulus cultivar and in the wild collected Koeleria macrantha. Bromus carinatus performed poorly as a seedling from either seed type. Consistent trends in cultivar and wild seed performance, that reflected seed germination, were found for each species although results were not significant due to high variability. Results show that for these common grass species, seed type may not influence initial establishment. Differences among species were significant and varied with response measured, suggesting species characteristics are a key factor affecting native grass reestablishment. Species specific responses to seed type highlight the importance of making seed source decisions on a species basis.

Matching seed to site by climate similarity: Techniques to prioritize plant materials development and use in restoration

Land management agencies are increasing the use of native plant materials for vegetation treatments to restore ecosystem function and maintain natural ecological integrity. This shift toward the use of natives has highlighted a need to increase the diversity of materials available. A key problem is agreeing on how many, and which, new accessions should be developed. Here we describe new methods that address this problem. Our methods use climate data to calculate a climate similarity index between two points in a defined extent. This index can be used to predict relative performance of available accessions at a target site. In addition, the index can be used in combination with standard cluster analysis algorithms to quantify and maximize climate coverage (mean climate similarity), given a modeled range extent and a specified number of accessions. We demonstrate the utility of this latter feature by applying it to the extents of 11 western North American species with proven or potential use in restoration. First, a species-specific seed transfer map can be readily generated for a species by predicting performance for accessions currently available; this map can be readily updated to accommodate new accessions. Next, the increase in climate coverage achieved by adding successive accessions can be explored, yielding information that managers can use to balance ecological and economic considerations in determining how many accessions to develop. This approach identifies sampling sites, referred to as climate centers, which contribute unique, complementary, climate coverage to accessions on hand, thus providing explicit sampling guidance for both germplasm preservation and research. We examine how these and other features of our approach add to existing methods used to guide plant materials development and use. Finally, we discuss how these new methods provide a framework that could be used to coordinate native plant materials development, evaluation, and use across agencies, regions, and research groups.

Can local adaptation research in plants inform selection of native plant materials? An analysis of experimental methodologies.

Local adaptation is used as a criterion to select plant materials that will display high fitness in new environments. A large body of research has explored local adaptation in plants, however, to what extent findings can inform management decisions has not been formally evaluated. We assessed local adaptation literature for six key experimental methodologies that have the greatest effect on the application of research to selecting plant materials for natural resource management: experimental environment, response variables, maternal effects, intraspecific variation, selective agents, and spatial and temporal variability. We found that less than half of experiments used reciprocal transplants or natural field conditions, which are both informative for revegetation and restoration. Population growth rate was rarely (5%) assessed, and most studies measured only single generations (96%) and ran for less than a year. Emergence and establishment are limiting factors in successful revegetation and restoration, but the majority of studies measured later life‐history stages (66%). Additionally, most studies included limited replication at the population and habitat levels and tested response to single abiotic selective factors (66%). Local adaptation research should be cautiously applied to management; future research could use alternative methodologies to allow managers to directly apply findings.

Evolution of plant materials for ecological restoration: insights from the applied and basic literature

SummaryRestoration is normally conducted with the goal of creating plant populations that establish, survive, successfully reproduce, contribute to ecosystem function and persist in the long term. Restoration often relies on revegetation that, on large scales, requires agronomic increase of native plant materials. During this propagation process, restoration populations are subject to genetic sampling as well as natural and artificial selection that could result in adaptation contrasting sharply with that of native populations.Here we draw on insights from the evolutionary and agricultural literature to illustrate how changes in the amount and type of genetic variation inex siturepositories (source collections and production farms) could affect plant performance in restoration. The consequences of intentional and/or inadvertent evolutionary modification of restoration materials are discussed with respect to population viability and ecosystem function.Synthesis and applications. We conclude that sampling effects and intentional and unintentional selection during collection, propagation and restoration planting have the potential to diminish restored populations. We describe testing for evolutionary change in plant materials using neutral molecular markers and/or field observations. Six practices, multiple collections through time, multiple collections through space, large effective population size, provenance tracking, promoting gene flow and reducing selection comprise ‘evolutionarily enlightened management’ that decreases the potential for unintentional evolution and maladaptation.

Polyploidy: a missing link in the conversation about seed transfer of a commonly seeded native grass in western North America

AbstractThe use of local, native plant materials is now common in restoration but testing for polyploidy in seed sources is not. Diversity in cytotypes across a landscape can pose special seed transfer challenges, because the methods used to determine genetically appropriate materials for seed transfer do not account for cytotypic variation. This lack of consideration may result in mixing cytotypes through revegetation, which could reduce long‐term population viability. We surveyed nine populations of a native bunchgrass, Pseudoroegneria spicata, in three EPA Level III Ecoregions in the western United States to determine the frequency of polyploidy, whether there are differences in traits (phenotype, fecundity, and mortality) among plants of different cytotypes, and whether cytotype frequency varies among ecoregions. We assessed trait variation over 2 years in a common garden and determined ploidy using flow cytometry. Polyploidy and mixed cytotype populations were common, and polyploids occurred in all ecoregions. Four of the nine populations were diploid. The other five had tetraploids present: three had only tetraploid individuals whereas two had mixed diploid/tetraploid cytotypes. There was significant variation in traits among cytotypes: plants from tetraploid populations were larger than diploid or mixed populations. The frequency and distribution of cytotypes make it likely that seed transfer in the study area will inadvertently mix diploid and polyploid cytotypes in this species. The increasing availability of flow cytometry may allow ploidy to be incorporated into native plant materials sourcing and seed transfer.