Unlike high-forb mixes that can struggle after a few good years, this blend uses a controlled forb load anchored by competitive native grasses to provide reliable pollinator bloom, brood habitat, and structural cover without sacrificing stand longevity.
Ricegrass, Indian (0.6), Milkweed, Showy (0.1), Rabbitbrush, green (yellow) (0.15), Beeplant, Rocky Mountain (0.12), Bottlebrush squirreltail (0.4), Wheatgrass, Thickspike (0.9), Wheatgrass, Snake River (1.2), Indian blanket (0.12), Sunflower, Annual (0.15), Bluegrass, Sandberg (VNS) (0.3), Wheatgrass, Bluebunch (1.5), Globemallow, Monro's (0.06). Created January 2026.
Why this mix works
- Controlled forb load:
- Enough flowering diversity for pollinators and insects, without overwhelming grasses
- Grass-forward foundation:
- Strong perennial grasses anchor the site and suppress cheatgrass re-invasion
- Wildlife benefits:
- Provides brood habitat, insect production, and seasonal structure for upland birds
- Cost-conscious:
- Avoids overuse of expensive or short-lived forbs while maintaining habitat value
Ideal for:
- Upland bird habitat (pheasant, chukar, quail transition areas)
- Pollinator habitat where long-term persistence matters
- Wildlife-focused CRP and NRCS plantings
- Large-acreage restorations on arid, disturbance-prone sites
This mix is designed to support common NRCS conservation objectives, including:
- NRCS 327 – Conservation Cover
- NRCS 528 – Prescribed Grazing (deferred / rest rotation)
- NRCS 645 – Upland Wildlife Habitat Management
Always confirm final approval with your local NRCS planner.
Seeding Timing
- Best: Late fall dormant seeding (Oct–Nov)
- Dormant seeding improves native grass establishment and reduces annual weed pressure.
- Acceptable: Early spring seeding on moisture-retentive sites
Seeding Method & Depth
- Drill preferred (native grass box + small seed box)
- Depth:
- Grasses: ¼–½ inch
- Forbs: surface to ¼ inch
- Avoid deep placement of small forb seed.
Site Prep & Weed Control
- Pre-seeding control is essential, especially on cheatgrass sites
- Chemical or mechanical control the season prior
- Avoid fertilizer—added nitrogen favors annual grasses
- A clean, firm seedbed dramatically improves outcomes
Grazing & Management
- Defer grazing at least 2 full growing seasons
- After establishment, light rotational grazing can be compatible under NRCS 528
Developed with input from Idaho Fish and Game staff
This mix was reviewed and refined with agency biologists to better reflect real-world establishment challenges, wildlife needs, and long-term habitat performance in southern Idaho.
This mix replaces and consolidates multiple legacy Idaho offerings, including:
- ID PF Diverse Native Range Grass Forb Mix C
- ID PF Diverse Native Range Grass Forb Shrub Mix A (Basin Big Sagebrush)
- ID PF Range Native Grass w/forbs Mix D
- ID PF Range Native Grass w/forbs Mix E
Instead of several overlapping mixes this provides one dependable SRP Pollinator + Wildlife option that installers and landowners can trust. If you would like to order any of these retired mixes, please contact Brooke at bmorgan@pheasantsforever.org
