Deeply Rooted™
Native Plant Nursery & Wholesale Grower of Native Plants
We Understand The Business of Ecological Landscapes
We’re a wholesale grower specializing in native plant plugs, known as an established and reputable grower with over 30 years of experience in ecological restoration science. Our native plant nursery encompasses 40 acres of restored wetland and prairie habitat in the heart of farm country near Leland, IL providing us with ready access to local eco-type seed from a diverse number of native plant species.
We pride ourselves on strong customer relationships, delivering a superior quality product, and customized service. We can help you achieve success by sharing our technical expertise to develop species lists for sustainable ecological landscapes.

Fully-Developed Landscape Ready Plugs
Our Deeply Rooted™ landscape ready plugs have fully-developed 5” root systems, are ready to install, and quickly develop into mature plants.
- Transport more efficiently
- Require less labor to install
- Need less water to establish
- Easily integrate into existing plantings
- Typically establish within 6-8 weeks
- Fantastic for establishing a matrix or layered design
- Ideal for growers to shift into larger containers when needed
Superior Native Plugs From A Top Native Plant Nursery
Deeply Rooted™: Our process focuses on developing dense, high volume root systems grown with the use of mycorrhizal innoculant.
Genetically Diverse: We follow the natural life cycle of each species and produce our plugs from seed to protect genetic diversity and ensure overall plant hardiness.
Naturally Grown: Our plugs are grown under conditions that closely mimic nature and acclimate smoothly to site conditions—heated greenhouses are rarely used to force plants out of dormancy or to promote artificial growth.
Neonicotinoid-free: Our native plant nursery adheres to an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that relies primarily on preventative maintenance using cultural, mechanical, and biological controls.
Use our plant calculator to determine how many plugs you’ll need.


DR50 Plugs
11.9” cubic volume
2.25” wide
5” deep

DR32 Plugs
17.1” cubic volume
2.63” wide
3.5” deep

Neonicotinoid Statement
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program
True to our principles of doing no harm, sincerely pursuing maintenance and restoration of ecological functionality, and striving to provide a consistently better product, Pizzo Native Plant Nursery does not use Neonicotinoid pesticides on any of our crops.
We conscientiously adhere to an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program that relies primarily on preventative maintenance using cultural, mechanical and biological controls.
The pollinator/native plant relationship is critically important in maintaining biodiversity, and thriving, healthy habitats. Beginning with clean, pesticide free seed, our propagation and production practices yield the best quality, ecologically sound, finished product.
I'm Ready To Upgrade My Plant Supplier
Our native plant nursery values strong customer relationships, offers customized service, and delivers a superior quality product. We help you achieve success by sharing our technical expertise to develop species lists for sustainable ecological landscapes.
Native Plant Nursery Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your process for growing native plants?
The process of growing native plants is not only cutting edge, but unique when compared to growing conventional landscape plants. At Pizzo Native Plant Nursery our expert growers execute the entire growing cycle from seed harvest to germination and then cultivation of our finished product. Along with imitating nature’s cycle for our production methods, here is a closer look at our growing practices and sustainability efforts.
What are the top natives for pollinators?
Pollinators ensure the sustainability of a biodiverse ecosystem which is interdependent with our food system, thus, with us. A healthy landscape supports and therefore includes many different species of pollinators that happen to depend exclusively on native plants. Specific host plants are required for shelter, egg deposit and as a food source providing nectar, pollen and seeds. Explore the top natives for pollinators that offer the most potent aid to pollinators of all kinds from Pizzo Native Plant Nursery.
What native plants do you recommend for rain gardens?
Rain gardens are thoughtfully designed using resilient native plants with intention to replenish deep groundwater, manage stormwater, support wildlife, stabilize soil and filter pollutants from rainwater runoff. These plants will root deep and thrive in saturated soil but are also drought tolerant and impressively adaptable. Browse our favorite natives for rain gardens from Pizzo Native Plant Nursery that will protect and transform your landscape.
What are the best native plants to use in wetland areas?
Wetland natives are vital for biodiversity, protecting water quality and for general ecosystem regulation. Their extensive root systems act as anchors, ensuring the integrity of the landscape by preventing both erosion and flooding while nobly serving all surrounding life. Discover the best natives for wetlands from Pizzo Native Plant Nursery that intelligently cleanse, store and release water to maintain long-term ecological balance.
What are the benefits of buying native plants from a nursery rather than collecting them from the wild?
Purchasing native plants from a reputable nursery is a more ethical and sustainable choice than collecting them from the wild. It prevents harm to local populations and ecosystems,
supports legal protection for protected species, and ensures healthier, more resilient plants. Nurseries also offer a wider variety of plants that may be hard to find in the wild.