Per Dane County Ordinance Chapter 11.12(2)(b)2, the species used in a shoreland vegetative buffer shall include only species of vegetation native to South Central Wisconsin, ecologically adapted to the conditions of the site.

The species listed in the tables below have been approved for use in establishing a native vegetated buffer to meet shoreland zoning requirements. This is not an all-inclusive list, as any species native to Dane County and the surrounding region are considered acceptable. The county-level species distribution maps available from the North American Plant Atlas (NAPA) may be used to determine if a plant species is native to the region. The plan preparer will ensure that selected species are appropriate for the planting location. The Native Vegetation page provides more guidance on how to select, establish and maintain native vegetation on your site.

Native forb and grass plantings will consist of 60% grasses/sedges/rushes and 40% forbs/legumes and will be spaced every 1 foot on center. At a minimum, 5 species of grasses/sedges/ rushes and 3 species of forbs/legumes must be utilized. Pot size of plugs will be 2.5 “ square by 3” deep (or approved equal) and plants will be well established. Seed mixes must be a minimum of 10 PLS pounds per acre or 120 PLS seeds per square foot, whichever one provides the highest planting density. All species will be acquired from an acceptable regional grower.

Native tree and shrub plantings will consist of at least 1 species of tree and at least 2 species of shrubs and will be spaced appropriately, based upon mature size of plant. Tree and shrub planting will not reduce the 1 foot on-center spacing required for native forb and grass plantings. Trees will be at least 2 years old and 18“ in height or bigger. Shrubs will be well established in 1 liter container or bigger. All trees and shrubs will be of local ecotype and acquired from an acceptable regional grower.

Acceptable Native Species List PDF

Wisconsin DNR’s List of Native Plant Nurseries