Natural Resources Conservation Service

Plant Materials Program

United States Department of Agriculture

Happy Pollinator Week! BEE Friendly to Pollinators with Conservation Plants

NRCS Plant Materials Centers evaluate and release new plants to the public. Find out more about how our wildflowers and legumes benefit insect and pollinator populations and how you can help establish and protect pollinator habitat.

A planting in southern Wisconsin provides mid-season habitat for pollinators.

Evaluating Plant Materials to Slow the Spread of Wildfires in the West

Wildfires are a major problem in the Intermountain West, affecting thousands of acres of rangelands. Vegetative greenstrips are one tool to slow the spread of rangeland wildfires. Western Plant Materials Centers are evaluating native plant species to fill this niche.

The introduced shrub forage kochia (right) is a commonly used greenstrip species. Its potential for spread into native plant communities is cause for concern among ecologists.

Finding a better fava bean for cover cropping in western states

The Plant Materials Centers in California, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona have teamed up to conduct a regional adaptation trial to identify better fava bean cover crops for western states.

A photo of a tall dense stand of Fava Beans in California

Celebrate Earth Day with USDA and Climate-Smart Agriculture

Partner with us to reduce the impacts of climate change, build climate resiliency, and strengthen your agricultural operation. Learn more.

Herbaceous Mimosa - A Native Legume for Improving Pastures in the Southern U.S.

Herbaceous Mimosa is a low growing, drought and flood tolerant perennial native legume that is compatible with introduced forage grasses, provides a nitrogen source, and improves the forage quality of pastures.