Designed specifically for Western Colorado’s valleys, benches, and upland slopes, this native pollinator mix delivers season-long bloom, strong wildlife value, and dependable establishment in semi-arid conditions. It’s built around locally appropriate native forbs and cool-season grasses that thrive across the Western Slope without excessive inputs.
This mix supports native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, while also providing brood cover, forage, and structure for upland birds and other wildlife. Carefully balanced grass rates stabilize soils and suppress weeds without overwhelming the wildflowers.
What This Mix Does Well
- Continuous bloom from late spring through fall
- Strong nectar and pollen production for native pollinators
- Durable performance on upland and valley floor soils
- Compatible with wildlife habitat and conservation plantings
- Clean, professional appearance suitable for NRCS and private projects
Key Species Highlights
- Arrowleaf balsamroot and crownbeard provide bold early-season blooms
- Silky lupine and prairie clovers add nitrogen fixation and pollinator value
- Lewis flax and wild bergamot extend summer color and nectar
- Rocky Mountain beeplant boosts early insect activity
- Slender & western wheatgrass and Sandberg bluegrass offer light structure and soil stability without crowding forbs
Typical Uses
- Pollinator habitat establishment
- Wildlife habitat plantings
- NRCS conservation practices
- Rangeland enhancements and restoration projects
- Large-acreage upland seedings
NRCS Compatibility
Commonly used under:
- NRCS 327 – Pollinator Habitat
- NRCS 420 – Wildlife Habitat Planting
- NRCS 645 – Upland Wildlife Habitat Management
(Always confirm final species approval with your local NRCS office.)
Site & Seeding Notes
- Best suited for Western Colorado uplands and valley floors
- Performs well on well-drained loam to clay-loam soils
- Ideal for dormant fall or early spring seeding
- Minimal irrigation needed once established
Some mixes listed previously were retired to lessen the complication of options. This mix can replace,
- CO PF Western Colorado Pollinator Mix
If you would like this previous mix, please contact Brooke Morgan at bmorgan@pheasantsforever.org
