miscellaneous

can serve multiple uses; cover crops, green manure, pollinators; forage. Probably not the best variety selection if intent is to harvest seed for bird or oil markets. Sunflowers are great at scavenging for nutrients that other plants may not be able to capture, great for nutrient cycling. Can tolerate many soil types but grows best in with full sun in well drained fertile soils. Grows rapidly early in the season. Has lots of growth potential but typically will grow to around 30 inches tall. 5 -10 lb per acre planted no deeper than 3 inches depending on conditions.

is a moderately long-lived herbaceous perennial legume. Most cultivars are erect and grow to a height of 2 to 3 feet. The plant remains green and succulent during and after seed ripening. Birdsfoot trefoil is generally used in areas that receive 20 inches of precipitation or more. It is suited to low and moderately fertile soils with relatively poor internal drainage but is usually less productive than alfalfa on fertile, deep, well-drained soils. It performs well on soils too shallow or too poorly drained for alfalfa. It is equal to alfalfa in tolerance to saline-alkaline soils and is adapted to soils of medium acidity. Typically seeded at 4 to 8 pounds per acre either alone or with a grass. Close grazing that takes all stem growth is very detrimental to regrowth and stand life. Delay spring grazing until plants are at least 8 inches high. Allow 24 to 38 days regrowth between grazings and leave a 4 inch stubble after grazing. Birdsfoot trefoil does not cause bloat in ruminant animals. 

is used typically as a cover crop to capture and lock up nutrients for future use. It is very good at mining for phosphorous in particular.

However Buckwheat can serve well as a pollinator crop as it flowers quickly after establishment however it can get weedy so best to not plant in areas where this may be a concern, or be sure to terminate before it produces seed. Buckwheat is semi drought tolerant, it certainly does not thrive in poorly drained soils. It is best used in cover crop mixes vs monoculture planting as it will not leave as much residue as other options. Not a big forage producer for cattle.

can tolerate low fertility soils ranging from well drained to moderately drained soils. Is semi drought tolerant and can tolerate saline soils. It can withstand minor freezes but will terminate with a hard freeze. Do not plant with taller rapid growing crops that can shade out. Works great as a biofumigant but do not plant where you plant to grow other brassicas for vegetable production as the decomposing plant can transfer disease. Great used in a cover crop or forage mix at lower rates.

an annual or short lived wildland forb used almost primarily for grazing and pollinators. Flax does best on well drained soils and can tolerate some infertile or disturbed soils. It has great drought and cold winter tolerance. Typically found in open areas but can tolerate some shade. They are somewhat fire resistant since plants stay green throughout the growing season with relatively high moisture content. Flax begins to grow in early spring and flowers will appear May thru June. Flax is not considered weedy although in prime conditions it may spread to adjoining areas. Best planted late fall or early spring and is best planted in mixes at a depth of less than ¼ inch.

 a perennial forb used primarily for forage and pollinators. It can be short to long lived depending on environment. Can grow up to 36” tall with several stalked flowers. Does best on well drained soils, and can tolerate drought and cold winters. Penstemon prefers open areas but will tolerate some shade. It will not tolerate fire and is not considered weedy. Plant in a mix in early spring at a depth no greater than ¼”. Flowering should not be expected until after the second growing season. 

moderately rhizomatous, long lived, native herbaceous perennial forb used mostly for wildlife feed/ cover, pollinators, ornamental and plant diversity. Do not confuse it with the invasive weed “common yarrow”, Western Yarrow is rarely regarded as a problem weed. It thrives in drought conditions on gravelly loam and on thin or sandy soils. Western Yarrow begins to grow in early spring and blooms from late spring thru mid summer. Recommended to be planted as part of a mix.

is a warm season annual grass foxtail type millet. It is leafy with relatively fine stemmed which makes it more desirable as baled hay as it will dry down better than other options. It can be mature enough to cut for forage in as little as 60 days. It is very drought tolerant and grows quickly in warmer summer months. Plant 20-25 lbs no deeper than ¾“ inches deep after last frost of year. There are little to no prussic acid concerns with millets.

is a warm season annual grass foxtail type millet. It is leafy with relatively fine stemmed which makes it more desirable as baled hay as it will dry down better than other options. It can be mature enough to cut for forage in as little as 60 days. It is very drought tolerant and grows quickly in warmer summer months. Plant 20-25 lbs no deeper than ¾“ inches deep after last frost of year. There are little to no prussic acid concerns with millets.

Avendale Lentils

FSG BMR Sorghum Sudan

Finch Safflower

Golden Flax

Cicer Milkvetch

Phacelia