Bonus Fun Fact: Late September and October is the peak time to collect native seed. Having just typed that, I realize now that I probably should have used this as my fun fact a couple weeks ago. Better late than never, though. The majority of native plant seed ripens through August and September, becoming fit for pickin’ around this time. You can use the seed to increase diversity of existing stands or start small plantings around your house. Just be sure to always ask for permission and leave half of the seed for the prairie itself (“take half, leave half” is the saying).
The University of Northern Iowa Tallgrass Prairie Center has some fantastic guides about seed harvesting and prairie restoration. If you’re interested in learning more, I highly recommend those guides (free online) or their Guide to Prairie Restoration (exceptional and inexpensive).
Jason E. Andersen 
Leave a comment