Vernal Pool Mix

This specialized native seed mix was designed for vernal pool and wet prairie habitats, one of the Pacific Northwest’s most unique and seasonally dynamic ecosystems. Vernal pools experience freshwater inundation throughout much of the winter and spring, followed by dry summer conditions. These habitats typically occur in isolated depressions with no surface inflow or outflow and are often associated with restrictive subsurface layers such as clay or shallow bedrock.

To reflect the natural ecology of these systems, this mix is composed of approximately 70% annual native species that are well-adapted to fluctuating moisture conditions and seasonal disturbance. The diverse bloom succession begins in spring with species such as Money Flower and Popcorn Flower and continues through late summer with blooms from Cluster Tarweed, providing extended seasonal interest and valuable pollinator resources.

The mix also includes carefully selected perennial species that thrive in vernal pool environments, including Meadow Birds-foot Trefoil, Slim-leaved Onion, and Puget Sound Gumweed. Together, these species create a resilient and ecologically appropriate planting that supports native biodiversity while restoring the characteristic beauty and function of seasonal wet prairie habitat.