The species composition emphasizes drought tolerance, deep rooting, and extended bloom timing, providing continuous nectar, pollen, and insect production from early summer through fall. Legumes such as partridge pea, bush-clover, and senna support nitrogen cycling and brood insect availability, while warm- and cool-season grasses provide just enough structure for soil stability and wildlife use—without overwhelming the planting.
This mix performs especially well on south-facing slopes, reclaimed fields, upland CRP acres, and restoration sites where moisture is limiting. It is also well-suited for interseeding into existing grass stands where increased diversity and forb density are desired.
Includes (#s/ac): Milkweed, Butterfly (Butterflyweed) (0.5862), Senna, Maryland (0.6671), Partridge Pea (0.438), Coreopsis, Lanceleaf (sand) (0.3666), Tick-Trefoil, Panicledleaf, PA Ecotype (0.4241), Wildrye, Canada (VNS) (0.6002), Sunflower, False (Oxeye) (0.9132), Lespedeza, Roundhead (Bushclover) (0.626), Mint, Dotted (Spotted Bee Balm) (0.0262), Beardtongue, Foxglove (Smooth penstemon) (0.1456), Mint, Narrowleaf Mountain (Slender) (0.01), Susan, Black-eyed (0.01), Bluestem, Little (VNS) (0.476), Goldenrod, Early (0.01), Goldenrod, Gray (Field) (Old Field) (0.01), Aster, Smooth Blue (0.0625), Aster, Frost (hairy white oldfield) (hairy) (0.01), Tridens, Purple Top (0.1199). Created January 2026.
Why choose this mix:
- Forb-dominant design that protects wildflower establishment
- Adapted to dry, well-drained, and drought-prone sites
- Long bloom window supporting pollinators and beneficial insects
- Compatible with Great Plains and similar conservation drills
- Excellent balance of structure, diversity, and persistence
Designed to align with the intent and species diversity requirements of:
- 327 — Conservation Cover
- 645 — Upland Wildlife Habitat Management
- 550 — Range Planting (where applicable)
Meets common NRCS expectations for forb diversity, legume inclusion, and non-dominant grass structure on dry upland sites. Always confirm final species acceptance with your local NRCS office.
Recommended Use
- Dry upland fields and slopes
- Marginal or low-fertility soils
- Wildlife habitat plantings
- Pollinator-focused restorations
- Interseeding into existing native or introduced grass stands
Great Plains Conservation Drill Setup
This mix follows standard NRCS and Great Plains conservation drill guidance and was reviewed with PA biologists, who recommended separating seed by small vs. fluffy/large components to prevent poor seeding ratios and hopper segregation.
Native / Fluffy Seed Box
Use this box for native grasses and large-seeded legumes/forbs.
These species meter more consistently together and resist settling.
BOX 1 — Native / Fluffy Seed Box
- Cassia marilandica (Pennsylvania senna) — 0.667
- Chamaecrista fasciculata (Partridge pea) — 0.438
- Desmodium paniculatum (PA ecotype) — 0.424
- Elymus canadensis (Canada wildrye) — 0.600
- Heliopsis helianthoides (Smooth oxeye) — 0.913
- Lespedeza capitata (Round-head bush-clover) — 0.626
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little bluestem) — 0.476
- Tridens flavus (Purpletop) — 0.120
Native / Fluffy Box Subtotal: 4.26 PLS lbs/ac
Great Plains Notes
- Picker wheels ON
- Agitator slow to medium
- Avoid excessive fan speed (can damage senna & milkweed)
- Target depth: ⅛–¼ inch
Small Seed Box
This is where Great Plains drills perform best when properly calibrated.
All species in this box should be surface set or planted extremely shallow.
BOX 2 — Small Seed Box
- Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly milkweed) — 0.586
- Coreopsis lanceolata (Lanceleaf coreopsis) — 0.367
- Monarda punctata (Spotted beebalm) — 0.026
- Penstemon digitalis (Tall white beardtongue) — 0.146
- Pycnanthemum tenuifolium (Narrow-leaf mountain mint) — 0.010
- Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan) — 0.010
- Solidago juncea (Early goldenrod) — 0.010
- Solidago nemoralis (Gray goldenrod) — 0.010
- Symphyotrichum laeve (Smooth blue aster) — 0.063
- Symphyotrichum pilosum (White old-field aster) — 0.010
Small Seed Box Subtotal: 1.24 PLS lbs/ac
Calibration + Carrier Note
For best flow and uniform distribution, mix Small Seed Box species with a carrier such as pelletized lime, rice hulls, cracked corn, or clean sand at a 1:3 seed-to-carrier ratio by volume. Close depth bands, drop seed on the soil surface, and firm with press wheels or a roller.
Planting Options
One-Pass (Preferred):
- Run both boxes simultaneously if calibration allows.
Two-Pass (Safest for Forb Establishment):
- Native / Fluffy Box first (⅛–¼")
- Small Seed Box second (surface-set + pack)
If you would like to separate your seeds or order rice hulls, please contact Brooke at bmorgan@pheasantsforever.org
Note: All of our mixes can be customized to meet your needs.
