Using plants in urban landscapes can be a valuable component of managing storm- water runoff. Plants can be used in biofiltration systems including bioswales, bioretention cells and rain gardens to capture runoff from impervious surfaces such as rooftops, driveways, and patios.
Many of the Plant Materials Programs 600+ conservation plant releases are used to create colorful low water-use, drought tolerant, sustainable landscapes. Native plants released by the Plant Materials Program are often more fire resistant and remain green longer than invasive species. Below are a few publication topics that may be of interest to communities.