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.

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.

Rail City Garden Center
1720 Brierley Way, Sparks, NV 89434
775-355-1551

Notes: Has a small selection of some larger native shrubs.

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.

Vital Bee Buds
Gardnerville, NV
702-222-3130
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.

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.

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.

Reno Food Systems
972 Bates Ave. Reno, NV 89502
775-463-6541
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.

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.

Villager Nursery
10678 Donner Pass Rd. Truckee, CA 96161
530-587-0771

Walker Basin Conservancy
Smith Valley, NV
775-782-9960
info@walkerbasin.org
Notes: Grow natives for Walker Basin restoration projects and expect to open up sales to the public. Call ahead for availability.

Southern Nevada

Cactus Joe's
12740 Blue Diamond Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89161
702-875-1968

Mojave 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).

Map of Nevada Native Plant Nurseries

Jensen, C. 2025, Nevada Native Plant Nurseries and Seed Suppliers, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno

Extension Associated Contacts

Carrie Jensen

Also of Interest:


Markets for Nevada Native Plants & Seeds The proposed cooperative would be organized to grow, process, package, and market native Nevada plants, grasses, and forbs. Native seed production and collection is still in its infancy in Nevada, and as such, the local market for native products has not been fully explored. Cowee, M. and Curtis, K. 2007, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Nevada Consumers Willing to Pay More for “Nevada Grown” Labeled Native Plants Appearance attributes are conveyed to the consumer through physical aspects of the product, such as color, size, and uniformity; while experience attributes are conveyed only through consumption or use of the product, such as the product's taste. Cowee, M. and Curtis, K. 2007, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-07-17
Horticultural Business Opportunities in Lincoln County, Nevada This special publication contains in-depth information on landscaping trees that grow in Lincoln County and native shrubs, wildflowers, cacti and vines that could be produced for landscaping. Learn through detailed tables that indicate the location and zone and list the botanical... Gatzke, H. 2007, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-07-17
Native Plant Characteristics Appeal to Consumers in Nevada In 2004, a study was conducted to examine the market in Nevada for locally produced native plants and seeds. As part of the study a survey was mailed to homeowners in the Reno, Henderson, and Las Vegas areas to determine consumer preferences for and usage of native plants and see... Cowee, M. and Curtis, K. 2007, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-07-16
Some Good Native Plants for Great Basin Landscapes This fact sheet contains information on common garden trials that are used to identify, evaluate, and select native plant species for verities of landscapes. Kratsch H. 2011, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-11-13

Nevada Native Plant Nurseries and Seed Suppliers