01797nas a2200229   4500008004100000245004400041210004400085300001100129520114600140653002401286653001401310653001901324653001201343653001301355653001201368653003601380653002301416100002001439700001701459700001901476856007201495       2005                        eng d00aUsing local seed in prairie restoration0 aUsing local seed in prairie restoration  a22 -283 aChoice among local, non-local, and cultivar seeds for restoring native ecosystems is not purely an academic question—it also has practical consequences.In this article we summarize a series of genetic and competition studies of big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman. [Poaceae]), Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash. [Poaceae]), and purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea Vent.[Fabaceae]) from remnant and restored Illinois (local) prairies, non-local remnant prairies, and 6 grass cultivars. We found genetic differences between local and non-local seed sources, that large populations do not necessarily have higher genetic diversity relative to small populations, and differences in plant performance could be related to seed source. Although obtaining large quantities of non-local and cultivar grass seeds may be affordable, available, and desirable given the amount of seeds required for prairie restoration, our research indicates genetic and plant performance differences between local and non-local seed sources in all 3 species. Such differences can affect both the short- and long-term success of restoration activities.10aAndropogon gerardii10acultivars10aDalea purpurea10aEcotype10aFabaceae10aPoaceae10aremnant and restored grasslands10aSorghastrum nutans1 aGustafson, D.J.1 aGibson, D.J.1 aNickrent, D.L.  uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/using-local-seed-prairie-restoration