1954 
It is my earnest desire that this seed catalog, 
devoted exclusively to our native flora, will in time, 
become a much more comprehensive and representa- 
tive source of seeds from a country which has one 
of the richest floras in the world. It is unfortunate 
that our native plants, which are much sought after 
abroad, are so little appreciated here at home, where 
they are naturally much better suited to grow. Your 
own garden can do much to interest others in the 
merits and beauty of our “wildling's’’. 
The advances of civilization, by changing the 
natural topography of the land in one way or another, 
have relentlessly pushed our wild flowers back farther 
and farther. Many are now very scarce. Eventually, 
many may become extinct. Digging wild flowers to 
bring back to the garden will not “preserve” them. 
However, learning to grow them from seed and cn- 
couraging others in this respect, will do much toward 
accomplishing this aim. Further information on wild 
flower preservation may be obtained by writing to 
The Wild Flower Preservation Society, Inc., 3740 
Oliver Street, N.W., Washington 15, D. C. 
Some of the species herein will be recognized as 
already having been introduced into American 
gardens. There are literally hundreds and hundreds 
of other native plants that also would prove well 
worthy of the best of gardens by their own merits. 
This catalog lists svecies from all sections of the 
country. All are hardy to Philadelphia unless noted. 
Winter protection is advised when felt needed for 
more northerly sections. 
Preferences are given for the various species 
offered, as found growing in the wild. These are 
given primarily for those who wish to grow them in 
a natural setting. However, most plants are not very 
demanding. A good percentage of them are rather 
good natured about the spot you select for them. 
Even though many come from bogs and forests, they 
will often respond readily to sunny garden conditions 
with reasonable watering. True, some are temper- 
amental and insist upon duplication of their natural 
growing conditions. 
Regarding germination, all native seeds cannot be 
treated like the “5 and 10¢ store” annuals. Some 
require sowing in early Spring when soil tempera- 
tures are low to prepare them for germination. A 
few species require an extended period of cold soil 
exposure. Such seed, if sown too late, will remain 
dormant till the following Spring. If seed cannot 
be sown at the proper time, putting it in a tight 
capped jar in the refrigerator will usually break the 
dormancy. About 8 to 10 weeks for kinds: indicated 
as requiring (A) culture. Less for (B). 
It is best not to destroy seed sowings till the 
second season. If conditions are not satisfactory, the 
seedlings sometimes do not come up till the following 
season. Also, some species are naturally slow germi- 
nators. 
