Purpose: Create year-round browse, soft-stem forage, and dense thermal/security cover for white-tailed deer and moose across Maine’s upland and low wet-edge landscapes.
NRCS Use: Designed to support goals similar to NRCS Wildlife Habitat Planting (420) and Early Successional Habitat (647) when paired with shrub plantings.
Seeding Rate: 10–15 PLS lbs/acre (broadcast or drill)
Species Included
Milkweed, Swamp (Marsh) (0.4), Milkweed, Common (0.4), Buttonbush (0.2), Wildrye, Canada (VNS) (2), Wildrye, Virginia (1.2), Boneset, Common (0.4), Bergamot, Wild (Prairie Beebalm) (0.6), Primrose, Pink Evening (0.4), Big Bluegrass (VNS) (1), Susan, Black-eyed (0.3), Bluestem, Little (VNS) (1), Goldenrod, Gray (Field) (Old Field) (0.4), Vervain, Blue (0.4), Alexander, Golden (0.3). Created January 2026.
Buttonbush is recommended as bare-root/plug shrubs planted at 150–300 seedlings per acre for best establishment rather than seed. If you would like a quote on shrub plugs, please contact Brooke at bmorgan@pheasantsforever.org
Habitat Type Best Fit
- Logging landings & regenerating timber
- Old fields & abandoned pasture edges
- Wet meadow fringes & marsh edges
- Food plot borders & bedding pockets
Establishment Notes
Timing: Late spring or early fall dormant seeding recommended
Site Prep: Terminate sod/competing vegetation before seeding
Seeding Depth: 0–¼" — do not bury forbs deeply
Maintenance: Mow once after establishment if annual weeds exceed 12–18"
