The species selection balances durable, cool-season native grasses with long-lived, regionally adapted forbs, supporting nectar production, brood-rearing habitat, and soil stability across a wide range of mid- to high-elevation sites. Deep-rooted grasses help anchor the stand over time, while flowering species provide season-long resources for bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects.
Milkvetch, Canada (0.35), Balsamroot, Arrowleaf (0.35), Beeplant, Rocky Mountain (0.2), Bottlebrush squirreltail (0.35), Wheatgrass, Slender (1.1), Fescue, Idaho (0.8), Junegrass, Prairie (0.25), Wildrye, Basin (0.6), Lupine, Silvery (0.4), Big Bluegrass (VNS) (0.35), Wheatgrass, Bluebunch (1), Globemallow, Monro's (0.15). Created January 2026.
Primary benefits include:
- Season-long bloom for native pollinators
- Strong grass structure for nesting cover and erosion control
- Forb diversity that supports insects and brood habitat
- Adapted for cold winters, short growing seasons, and variable moisture
Recommended uses:
- Wildlife habitat plantings
- Pollinator habitat
- Rangeland restoration
- NRCS conservation practices
NRCS compatibility:
Commonly used to support NRCS Practices 327 (Conservation Cover), 420 (Wildlife Habitat Planting), and 645 (Upland Wildlife Habitat Management) — confirm final approval with your local conservation planner.
Establishment Notes
Best planted:
- Dormant fall (preferred) or early spring
Seeding method:
- Drill preferred; broadcast with light packing acceptable
Depth:
- ¼–½ inch (shallower for small-seeded forbs)
Management:
- Avoid grazing for at least one full growing season
This Central Idaho Mountain Pollinator + Wildlife Mix replaces or consolidates the following retired mixes:
- ID PF Diverse Native Range Grass Forb Mix C
- ID PF Diverse Native Range Grass Forb Shrub Mix B (Mountain Big Sagebrush)
- ID PF CRP/Range Native Grass w/forbs Mix 3
- ID PF Range Native Grass w/forbs Mix E
If you would like to order any of these retired mixes, please contact Brooke at bmorgan@pheasantsforever.org
