What Is Eco-Sourcing—and Why Does It Matter for Native Planting? 

If you’re planning a restoration project or just keen on planting native trees the right way, you’ll want to know about eco-sourcing. At its heart, eco-sourcing is all about collecting seeds from the same region where you’ll be planting them. It’s a simple idea with powerful results: by using local seed stock, you’re giving your plants the best possible chance to thrive in their natural environment—and you’re helping preserve the unique genetic identity of that place.

Why Go Local? 

When you plant eco-sourced natives, you’re not just landscaping—you’re helping keep the local ecosystem intact. Plants grown from seeds collected nearby are naturally adapted to local soil, climate, and conditions, which makes them stronger and more resilient. It also reduces the risk of accidentally introducing plants that look native but are from different areas and could disrupt the natural balance—or even become invasive.

Seed vs. Cuttings: The Diversity Difference 

Eco-sourcing often means growing plants from seed rather than cuttings.

Why? Because seeds bring genetic variety. Each seed is unique, offering a greater chance of resilience, especially for long-living trees. Cuttings, on the other hand, are genetic clones of the parent plant—great for uniformity, but not ideal for biodiversity.

Keep in mind though: not every seed you collect will grow. Around half might be viable, and many native seeds only stay viable for a year or two. Some, like miro, can take years to germinate—so patience is key.

Eco-Sourcing 101: Key Principles for Planting Projects 

If you’re starting a restoration or revegetation project, these guidelines will help you stay on track:

1. Stick with locals. Use plants that are known to be native to the immediate area. The closer your seed source is to your planting site, the better.
2. Don’t overreach. Even if a species has disappeared locally, try to find seed from a nearby, similar environment. Matching ecosystems is more important than just picking the same species.
3. Match the habitat. Some plants like mānuka can survive in different conditions—but it’s still best to choose seeds from similar ground (wet, dry, shady, exposed).
4. Plan ahead. Growing eco-sourced plants isn’t an overnight process. Allow at least one to two years from seed collection to planting day.
5. Collect smart. Gather seed from areas of natural, undisturbed bush. Avoid collecting from road edges or parklands where plantings may have non-local origins.

Buying From Nurseries? Ask the Right Questions 

Not all nurseries grow eco-sourced plants, so it’s worth doing your homework. When you shop:

• Ask if the plants were grown from wild seed collected for restoration.

• Check that the seed source is documented—and close to your site.
• Choose nurseries that prioritise eco-sourcing over convenience.

Ready to Collect? Here’s How (and Where) 

Always get permission before collecting seed. For conservation land, you’ll need a permit from the Department of Conservation (DOC). Some of the best seed collecting spots are at forest margins, along tracks or riversides—where plants flower and seed more abundantly. Steer clear of areas where exotic garden plants might cross-pollinate with native species.

Understanding How Seeds Travel

The way a plant spreads its seed effects how local it really is:

• Wind-dispersed species (like beech or grasses) are more uniform across regions and can be collected over wider areas.

• Bird or insect-pollinated species vary much more with geography, climate, and soil—so collect those as close to your planting site as possible.
• For rare or threatened species, stick to the same population where possible—unless you’re trying to boost genetic diversity from nearby related populations (in which case, check with DOC first).

When and How to Collect Seeds 

Timing is everything. Late summer and autumn are prime seed-collecting seasons. Seeds are usually ready when they fall easily or change colour.

But ripening times vary—so be prepared to check your chosen plants more than once.

• Collect a little from a lot. Spread your collection over many plants to increase genetic variety.

• Leave some behind. Always leave seed for natural regeneration.
• Avoid damaged seed. Insects and rodents can spoil your harvest. Collect more than once if needed to catch early and late fruiting varieties.

Harvesting Tips 

For small plants:

Pick by hand or snip small branches—just take care not to damage the plant.

For large trees:

Look for seed on the ground during seed fall. You can also use shade cloth to catch falling seed from trees like rimu, totara, or tawa. Long-reach pruners might help if you need to clip seed higher up.

In short? 

Eco-sourcing is about growing the right plants, in the right place, the right way. It’s slower, more thoughtful, and incredibly rewarding—for you, and for the land.