
Why choose native plants?
There are so many reasons to consider incorporating native plants into your garden!
- Ecological Benefits: Native plants are adapted to local climate conditions, providing habitat and food for wildlife like bees, birds, and butterflies.
- Water & Resource Efficiency: Native plants require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides, reducing runoff and protecting local water supplies.
- Reduced Invasive Species: Planting natives helps prevent the spread of non-native plants that can dominate and harm local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Native plants have evolved to thrive with minimal human intervention, making them low-maintenance landscaping choices.
- Regional Identity: Show your Nevada pride! Native plants help preserve the unique character of local landscapes, contributing to a sense of place and pride in the community.
So, where do I find them?
We know it can be difficult to source native plants to use in your yard in Nevada. So, we've compiled a list of plant nurseries and seed suppliers to consider*.
Northern Nevada
Comstock Seed
917 Hwy 88 Gardnerville, NV 89460
775-265-0090
sales@comstockseed.com
Notes: Many varieties of native grass and wildflower seeds and option to buy in large quantities. May require a minimum order amount, please contact for more details.
Nevada Monarch Society
Washoe Valley, NV
775-338-3841
nvmonarchs@gmail.com
Notes: Milkweed sales, monarch education and citizen science. Seedling sales are in the fall and spring, and seeds are available year-round.
Old Stone House Nursery
1350 Geiger Grade Road Reno, NV 89521
775-358-1700
Notes: Ask Stephen about which native plants they may have in stock.
Reno Food Systems
972 Bates Ave. Reno, NV 89502
info@renofoodsystems.org
Notes: Has occasional plant sales with pollinator-friendly plants and a few native penstemons. Contact Neil Bertrando, the nursery manager for more details.
Rail City Garden Center
1720 Brierley Way, Sparks, NV 89434
775-355-1551
Notes: Has a small selection of some larger native shrubs.
Tahoe Tree Company
401 West Lake Blvd. Tahoe City, CA 96145
530-583-3911
Notes: While there is a focus on higher elevation species for the Tahoe area, some of the native species available will work in the foothills or the valleys in northern Nevada, if you place them in shadier locations.
The Greenhouse Project
1111 N. Saliman Rd. Carson City, NV 89701
775-600-9530
jon@carsoncitygreenhouse.org
Notes: Check their Shopify site for online orders (local sales only) to see inventory or check out their Mother's Day Plant Sale. They offer some natives and are planning to expand their inventory.
Villager Nursery
10678 Donner Pass Rd. Truckee, CA 96161
530 587-0771
Notes: While there is a focus on higher-elevation species for the Tahoe area, some of the native species available will work in the foothills of the valleys if you place them in shadier locations.
Vital Bee Buds
Gardnerville, NV
info@vitalbeebuds.com
Notes: Perennials, native and ornamental options. They specialize in pollinator-friendly plants. Occassionaly have a booth at the Riverside Farmers Market. Email for order pick-up at the market. They also do home delivery for an additional fee.
Walker Basin Conservancy
Smith Valley, NV
info@walkerbasin.org
Notes: Grow natives for Walker Basin restoration projects and expect to open up sales to the public. Call ahead for availability.
Washoe State Tree Nursery
885 Eastlake Blvd, Carson City, NV 89704
775-849-0213
washoenursery@forestry.nv.gov
Notes: This store supplies plant materials native or adapted to the Great Basin and Sierra Nevada. It is primarily focused on conservation plant materials, but home gardeners are just as welcome if they meet minimum size and location requirements (see their website for more details). Pay attention to seasonal and limited hours.
Southern Nevada
Cactus Joe's
12740 Blue Diamond Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89161
702-875-1968
Mohave Bloom Nursery
1401 Searles Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101
702-279-2789
Notes: Recently opened by Norm Schilling, long-time horticulturalist, landscape designer and guest lecturer for Extension.
Nevada Division of Forestry - Las Vegas Tree Nursery
9600 Tule Springs Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89131
702-486-5411
Notes: Has plants that are native or adapted to the Mojave Desert. Primarily focused on conservation plant materials but home gardeners are just as welcome, if they meet minimum size and location requirements (see their website for more details). Pay attention to seasonal and limited hours.
Springs Preserve
333 S. Valley View Blvd. Las Vegas, Nevada 89107
702-822-7700
Notes: They have a biannual plant sale in spring and fall.
*This list is not exhaustive and inclusion on the list does not mean that the University of Nevada, Reno Extension either endorses these companies or intends to discriminate against those not mentioned. If you have sources, you'd like us to add or remove, please contact Carrie Jensen, carriejensen@unr.edu.
This list has been a group effort with many contributors, including Nevada Bugs and Butterflies, the Nevada Native Plant Society, and Devon Snyder, soil conservationist, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Rutland, VT (formerly University of Nevada, Reno rangeland ecologist).