Knowing the origin of plants and seeds that are donated to the Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library is very important for ensuring the integrity of the library’s inventory. Knowing the origin helps us to determine if the plants and seeds are indeed native, and not cultivars of native species.
The best way to confirm a plant is native is to buy them from trusted sources. Trusted sources declare where their plants or seeds come from, and confirm that they have been harvested ethically. The Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library has determined that the sources listed below are trusted sources.
Local trusted sources
We define trusted as organizations selling straight species. Individuals should consult VASCAN to determine if they are native to Ontario or Québec.
- A Cultivated Art (seedlings only with limited pick up options)
- Beaux Arbres Plantes Indigènes/ Native Plants (located near Eganville, ON)
- Connaught Nursery (located in Cobden, ON)
- Ferguson Tree Nursery (located in Kemptville, ON)
- Fletcher Wildlife Garden (annual spring plant sale, located in Ottawa, ON)
- Natural Themes (located in Frankford, ON)
- Natureaide (located in Winchester, ON)
- Nursery for the Earth (Pépinière pour la Terre) (located in Bristol, QC)
- Solidago Farm (often at markets in Ottawa, ON, and Chelsea, QC)
- WWF (available at Loblaw garden centres)
Trusted sources elsewhere in Ontario and the United States
- Dropseed Native Plant Nursery
- Grow Wild Native Plant Nursery
- Native Plants in Claremont
- Native Plant Nursery | Guelph | Origin Native Plants
- North American Native Plant Society
- Northern Wildflowers
- Not So Hollow Farm
- Ontario Native Plants
- Origin Native Plants
- Prairie Moon Nursery
If you received your plants or seeds from a source that is not found on the above list, the Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library may still accept your plants and seeds for donation, but we will have a few questions first. Get in touch with us prior to donating plants or seeds to inquire.