The common sense of the roadside ecological approach has led to the writing of this handbook. Because this old idea is new to many roadside decision- makers, including maintenance, erosion control, landscape, and environmental units, the Federal Highway Administration researched some of the basics needed for this approach, including: what are native, endangered, or noxious plants in each state, where the native plants fit into natural regions, what references and resources are available with an appendix that provides terms, guidelines, and relative Federal policy, even a sample specification outlining the use of native species in contracts. The book begins with a primer, a collection of insights from a cross section of experts from academia, other agencies, and state departments of transportation themselves. The primer answers basic questions about the use and preservation of native plants. It ends with a roadside land ethic, or explanation of roadside decision- makers' important interaction with the environment. We are proud to be able to share the authors' views of the roadside and the opportunities they see in the use and protection of the natural heritage found there.

Originally published: Washington, D.C : Federal Highway Administration, 1999. Includes bibliographical references (p. 610-617).

Roadside Use of Native Plants * Foreword - John T Kartesz * Preface - Using Native Plants on Roadsides * AcknowledgmentsPart One: Roadside Restoration and Management Essays * Introduction * Defining a Native Plant - Larry E. Morse, Jil M. Swearingen, and John M. Randall * Preserving Roadside Habitats - Margaret Olwell * Explaining Plant Communities - Evelyn A. Howell * Designing Roadsides with Native Plants - Darrel G. Morrison * Incorporating Grasses into Clear Zones - Bonnie L. Harper-Lore * Preventing Wildflowers from Becoming Weedy - Bonnie L. Harper-Lore * Specifying a Native Planting Plan - Bonnie L. Harper-Lore * Working with Succession - William A. Niering * Integrating All the Management Tools - Kirk Henderson * Implementing Prescribed Burns - Wayne R. Pauly * Controlling the Spread of Weeds - Ira Bickford * Gaining Public Support - Bill Johnson * Restoring Grassland Ecosystems - Reed F. Noss * Utilizing the Ecotype Concept - Wayne G. McCully * Choosing Non-Invasive Plant Materials - John M. Randall and Sarah Reichard * Pulling Together - Randy Westbrooks * Reassessing Beautification - Bonnie L. Harper-Lore * Introducing a Roadside Land Ethic - J. Baird Callicot and Gary K. LorePart Two: Plant and Resource ListsIntroduction - How to Use the Plant Lists (50 states)Part Three: AppendicesPolicy * 1998 Revised Guidance for Wildflowers * Native Wildflower Q&A * Wisconsin Exception * 1999 Guidance Material for Treeways * Treeways Q&A * 1995 Executive Memorandum on Landscaping Guidance * Landscaping Q&A * Guidance Implementing Executive Order on Invasive Species * 1999 Executive Order 13112 on Invasive Species * Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies of April 26, 1994 * Policy Statement on Invasive Alien Species by Secretary Slater * Department of Transportation Policy on Invasive Species * Federal Highway Administration Guidance on Invasive Species * Invasive Q&AFor More Information * Contributors * Suggested Reading * National Organization Resources * Related Web Sites * History of Roadside Use of Native PlantsVegetation Types * 129 Types or Plant Communities * Indicator Species Composition of Types * All Plant Species Listed * An Invasive Plant List