Genetically informed seed transfer zones for Pleuraphis jamesii, Sphaeralcea parvifolia, and Sporobolus cryptandrus across the Colorado Plateau and adjacent regions

These data were compiled to provide seed transfer and native plant materials development guidance to managers and practitioners across the Colorado Plateau and in adjacent regions. This data release contains empirical seed transfer zones derived from molecular genetic data for Pleuraphis jamesii (syn. Hilaria jamesii), Sphaeralcea parvifolia, and Sporobolus cryptandrus. Pleuraphis jamesii and Sphaeralcea parvifolia show distinct population structure (i.e., genetic differentiation) across their ranges ; as such, seed transfer zones reflect both patterns of genetic differentiation and information on each species' unique adaptations to climatic gradients. Sporobolus cryptandrus did not display discrete population structure across the Colorado Plateau, and its seed transfer zones reflect only patterns of adaptation inferred from its genetic data. These shapefile data may support successful restoration outcomes if, for example, seed transfer follows seed transfer zones depicted herein and/or composite seed strategies for native plant materials development utilize seed transfer zones when determining which seed accessions may be combined. The ultimate goal of these seed transfer zones is to protect natural patterns of genetic variation and maximize (or at least better understand) species' adaptations to local environmental conditions. This work was funded by the Bureau of Land Management's Colorado Plateau Native Plant Program.