This mix is ideal for field borders, old fields, CRP-style plantings, conservation easements, and private wildlife habitat projects where long-term structure and ecological function are the goal.
What this mix provides
- Strong nesting and escape cover from big and little bluestem, indiangrass, switchgrass, and bottlebrush grass
- Excellent brood-rearing habitat with open ground movement and high insect availability
- Season-long bloom supporting native pollinators and beneficial insects
- Seed and forage for upland birds, songbirds, and small mammals
- Nitrogen-fixing legumes (tick-trefoils) that improve soil health over time
Wildlife benefits
- Ring-necked pheasant
- Wild turkey
- Songbirds and grassland birds
- Native pollinators and butterflies
- Rabbits, deer, and other small wildlife
Species included
Bluestem, Big (VNS) (0.7), Tick-trefoil, Showy (Canada) (0.9), Tick-Trefoil, Panicledleaf, PA Ecotype (1.1), Deer Tongue Grass (0.3), Bottlebrush Grass, Eastern (0.35), Wildrye, Virginia (0.45), Sunflower, Annual (0.25), Sunflower, False (Oxeye) (0.35), Bergamot, Wild (Prairie Beebalm) (0.25), Primrose, Common Evening (0.2), Switchgrass (Cave N Rock) (0.25), Susan, Black-eyed (0.3), Bluestem, Little (VNS) (0.8), Indiangrass (local or vns) (0.5), Alexander, Golden (0.2). Created January 2026.
Seeding guidance
- Recommended rate: 6–8 lbs PLS per acre
- Planting method: Drill preferred; broadcast acceptable with firm seedbed
- Best planting window: Late fall dormant seeding or spring planting
- Management: Mow high (8–12”) in year one if needed for weed control; minimal disturbance thereafter
NRCS compatibility
- Meets NRCS Wildlife Habitat Planting (Code 420) specifications
- Suitable for conservation plans emphasizing upland wildlife, pollinators, and early successional structure
- Adaptable for EQIP and state-level conservation programs
- Confirm with local planner
