SEED EXCHANGE POLICY

 

While the exchange of seeds is a traditional and well-established practice of botanic gardens worldwide, the Chicago Botanic Garden no longer participates in Index Semina. We adopted this policy, in part, because we are sensitive to issues regarding seed sharing as one avenue that might introduce a weedy or aggressive species outside of its natural range. Generally, then, we are unlikely to release seeds beyond our collecting region (see map) for purposes other than research. Within the species range, we invite requests for access to the seeds in our seedbank from researchers and restoration practitioners alike. However, as we currently hold one or two accessions per species, we would ask that requests for seeds be accompanied by a discussion of your provenance policy. This is to ensure that our accessions fit your objectives.

Seed Availability: Some of our collections have fewer than 1000 seeds, while some have greater than 10,000. We will not be able to provide seed for those accessions that have fewer than 1000 seeds, and can only provide an allotment of 50 seeds per request for those that have fewer than 5000.

For those accessions for which we have sufficient seed, we will provide 100 seeds per request. A request is considered on a per species basis, and will be reviewed by seed bank personnel. Each request will require a $10 charge per species. Funds generated by seed requests will be used to cover the expense of re-collecting when the seed has been depleted.

No request for seed to be used for commercial purpose will be accepted.

We are currently testing germination protocols for some of our seeds, and this information will be made available as the trials are completed. However, we are only able to test a small subset of the species we hold, and given the treatment that our seeds go through as part of the banking process, it is likely that they are in a state of deep dormancy. In your request for seed, we ask that you address your protocols for breaking dormancy of the species you request. In addition, we request that information regarding the successful germination strategy of requested seeds be included in a subsequent report so that we can keep track of both successful and unsuccessful protocols. We will share this information on this website.

Please acknowledge the Chicago Botanic Garden Seed Bank in any reports, web sites, or publications, that refer to seeds from our collection or projects that used our seeds.

Please email requests for seeds to cbgseedbank@chicagobotanic.org, and address the following questions:

1. What is the nature of your seed request (e.g. research, restoration)?
2. What is your provenance policy?
3. What is your proposed germination protocol?
4. How are you going to share information on the results of your study to the wider scientific/restoration community (especially results of germination procedures)?
5. What is the expected date your project will be completed?
6. When are you going to submit a final report that summarizes your findings and results?

Seed requests will be honored as long as we have enough seed available that suits your provenance protocols. Please send checks in the amount of $10/seed request to:
CBG Seed Bank, Attn: Pati Vitt
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022

Checks should be made out to the Chicago Botanic Garden.

 

This policy is subject to update and revision.