Learn About Dryland Hay, Pasture, & Reclamation

• Crested Wheatgrass

Several varieties make up the selection among this group of very long-lived bunch grasses. Crested has a very extensive, deep, fibrous root system and therefore is very drought tolerant. Its best usage is early spring and fall if moisture allows for regrowth. Palatability in late spring and summer is poor, and deteriorates quickly after heading. Crested is an excellent pasture grass for early grazing and will tolerate close grazing and traffic. It can be used in conjunction with a legume for hay production. The varieties of crested fall into two general types; the Fairway type such as Fairway, Ephraim, Roadcrest, etc., or the Nordan type, which includes Hycrest, Standard, Douglas, etc. The Fairway types are somewhat shorter and finer textured than the Nordan types and therefore are better adapted to reclamation and dryland turf areas. Of the Fairway types, Ephraim, Roadcrest and Ruff do display some rhizomatous growth and thus are best suited for use on reclamation sites or dryland turf areas.

• Siberian Wheatgrass

Very similar to Crested in most respects. It is more drought tolerant than Crested, and will remain green and useable about two weeks longer. Also, it has moderate tolerance to alkali conditions. Improved varieties are available.

• Slender Wheatgrass

A short-lived perennial bunchgrass with excellent seeding vigor. It will tolerate some alkali however not to the levels that Tall Wheatgrass will. It may mature late enough to be affected by drought especially in areas where average annual precipitation is less than 14 inches. Because of its excellent seeding vigor it is often used in small amounts to provide quick cover for other dryland varieties and is used in reclamation blends. Varieties of slender currently available are Pryor, Revenue, Copperhead and San Luis.

• Intermediate Wheatgrass

A perennial, sod-forming grass with good drought tolerance, but somewhat less than crested. It initiates growth early and matures about 2 weeks later than crested, therefore with adequate moisture it will remain green and palatable throughout the early summer. It will resume growth in late summer-fall with moisture. Intermediate will respond to irrigation and can be seeded with legumes and other grasses for pasture. Intermediate works very well when seeded with alfalfa since its quality is high when the alfalfa is ready to cut. Yields of Intermediate/Alfalfa mixes have outyielded several other grass/alfalfa mixes. Several varieties are available including the most common Oahe, Greenar and Rush.

• Pubescent Wheatgrass

A mildly sod-forming, long-lived grass, very similar to Intermediate in growth habit and development. It is a very palatable grass with somewhat better alkali tolerance than intermediate. Pubescent is somewhat more drought tolerant than Intermediate and is capable of growing under lower soil fertility. Like Intermediate it is an excellent soil builder. Pubescent, like Intermediate is useful as hay, or pasture, when seeded with alfalfa or other selected grass varieties. It will stay green and useable into the summer months when soil moisture is adequate. The word Pubescent is often misleading. It refers to the small hairs which are found on approximately 60 – 80% of the outer glumes on the seeds. It does not refer to the pubescence on the foliage. Several improved varieties of pubescent are available including Greenleaf, Manska, Mandan 759 and Luna. Mandan 759 and Manska are very good producers, and especially well adapted to Montana. Greenleaf was developed at the research center in Lethbridge, Alberta. It is easily established, and has a fair tolerance of saline conditions. Luna is a good producer, however it is not well adapted to the northern areas of Montana.

• Tall Wheatgrass

A tall growing, rather coarse, bunchgrass with excellent tolerance to alkali and saline conditions. Tall Wheatgrass is a late maturing wheatgrass which does best in wetter areas, however it does have adequate drought tolerance for most conditions. This variety is one of the most salt tolerant of the wheatgrasses and it has excellent seeding vigor. It can be used for pasture, however it should be planted in pure stands and fenced separately. If grazed early, it is quite palatable and nutritious. To reduce coarseness, it should be seeded heavier than other wheatgrasses. Improved varieties include Alkar, Orbit, and Jose, with Jose being the most palatable.

• Western Wheatgrass

Commonly referred to as Bluejoint because of its grayish-blue appearance. It is a native perennial, sod-former with an extensive deep and spreading root system. It is therefore very drought tolerant. Due to its ability to grow well on heavy alkaline soils such as those found along river bottoms, it makes an excellent pasture or grass hay. Western produces an abundance of high quality forage, especially if cut shortly after heading. Western is generally slow to germinate and stands are relatively slow to establish. Because of its attributes it is very valuable for revegetation. Rosana is an improved variety of Western. It is a low growing variety, recommended for roadside seedings and disturbed areas on dryland. Another improved variety is Arriba.

• Thickspike Wheatgrass

Also referred to as Northern Wheatgrass, it is a native drought tolerant, sodforming perennial quite similar to Western Wheatgrass in appearance. Morphologically, it is similar to Streambank Wheatgrass. Thickspike will emerge three to four weeks earlier than western. It is a strongly rhizomatous plant, forming a tight sod under dryland conditions. Although its main use is for revegetation of disturbed sites, it is palatable and can be grazed. Due to its attributes of earliness, seedling vigor and drought tolerance, seedling establishment has been quite successful. Varieties include Critana, Schwendimar and Bannock.

• Sodar Streambank Wheatgrass

A native cool season grass that was actually developed as a drought tolerant turf grass. It is a strong sod-former and thus is very well adapted for use in soil stabilization and other revegetation projects. Its dense, low growing sodding habit make it a lower maintenance grass. It is widely used on roadsides, airports, parking areas and other areas requiring a shorter, dense sod. We recommend blending it with Canada Bluegrass for dryland airstrips.

• Newhy RS Hybrid

A cross between Bluebunch Wheatgrass and Quackgrass. Although the plant is morphologically unique, seed is very similar to quackgrass, therefore Newhy can only be marketed as a class of certified seed. Newhy combines the best of both parents, which are: salinity and alkalinity tolerance, good forage quality (comparable to Intermediate) early spring growth with good palatability (later than most wheatgrasses), rapid recovery after grazing and good seedling vigor.

• Bluebunch and Beardless Wheatgrass

These native grasses are very similar in appearance, adaption and primary use. Whitmar is an awnless variety and is less prevalent than bluebunch. Both are an important species to the intermountain west. They are very palatable, both spring and fall, with good seedling vigor. Generally considered bunchgrasses, they will produce short rhizomes with higher moisture. As with most wheatgrasses, over grazing will reduce standlife. Note: Secar Bluebunch Wheatgrass is also called “Snake River Wheatgrass.”

• Saltlander

Saltlander is actually a blend of three grasses; 50% AC Saltlander Green Wheatgrass, 25% Revenue Slender and 25% Tall Forage Type Fescue. It is designed as a blend for saline soils with the Slender and Tall Fescue serving as a companion species until the AC Saltlander establishes. The salt tolerance of Saltlander is equal to that of Tall Wheat Grass with much better palatability. With an extensive root system Saltlander is useful in managing saline-seep areas. A salt tolerant alfalfa variety such as PGI427 can be seeded in conjunction with Saltlander to manage saline area. Saltlander seed is coated to aid in establishment.

• Russian Wildrye

An excellent perennial bunchgrass used primarily as a dryland pasture grass. It will produce very well on poor soils, and will respond to better soils or to fertilizer. It is a very early grass, yet grazing can be delayed until late June since it retains its palatability and nutritive content significantly longer than many of the other dryland grasses. If adequate moisture is available or irrigation water is applied, recovery after grazing is rapid. Several improved varieties are available, including Swift, Vinall and Bozoisky. Of the varieties currently available, Bozoisky Select is preferred by most. It has improved seedling and vegetative vigor, leafiness and production as compared to other varieties.

• Altai Wild Ryegrass

A perennial grass released by Canada in 1976. It was originally introduced into Canada from Siberia in 1934. It is a winter-hardy , drought tolerant variety considered as being mildly rhizomatous, and tolerant to moderate saline conditions (similar to the salt tolerance of Tall Wheatgrass). The root system of Altai can penetrate to a depth of 10 to 14 feet, therefore it is extremely drought tolerant. It is an excellent pasture grass which remains palatable and nutritious into the fall and early winter. It is an excellent grass for winter forage since its erect form will project above the snow and allow cattle to have access to the basal leaves. Although the seed is about three times as large as those of Russian Wildrye, it should not be seeded excessively deep since seedlings are slower to establish.

• Shoshone Beardless

A native rhizomatous grass most commonly used for reclamation in wetter saline areas. Since it is palatable, it can be grazed by livestock and wildlife. A key to establishment is to plant in the fall since seed must go through a cold treatment for maximum germination.

• Great Basin Wildrye

A native bunchgrass with excellent drought tolerance. The primary use is for restoration, especially in alkaline soil areas. The plant is very tall and coarse. Optimum grazing time is fall and early winter. Varities include Magnar and Trailhead.

• Canada Wildrye

A native short lived bunchgrass often used for reclamation purposes since it is quick to establish. It is non-competitive with other native species. It can be also grazed or hayed.

• Dahurian Wildrye

A shorter lived tall bunchgrass which is quick to establish and will provide good growth the year of establishment. It can be used for a short rotation hay crop or pasture or to increase establishment year production of Russian or Altai Wildrye fields. Maximum production of Dahurian will occur in the second year.

• Green Needlegrass

A native bunchgrass which is a pre-dominant specie on native range throughout the Northern Plains area. Like many natives, it is slow to establish but once established is long lived. The preferred variety is Lodorm which is easier to establish because of lower seed dormancy.

• Needle & Thread

A native bunchgrass not conducive to grazing because of sharp awns. It is sometimes used for range rehab where natives are preferred or for reclamation.

• Indian Ricegrass

A native drought tolerant bunchgrass with good adaptation for sandy sites. It is a very palatable and nutritious grass with attraction for birds and other small game. Needs to be fall seeded and deeper than most grasses.

• Sherman Big Bluegrass

A very early native bunchgrass with wide adaptation. It reaches its optimum usage period 3 – 4 weeks earlier than crested wheatgrass. Although it does offer potential for early grazing, its predominant use in the Northwest is for reclamation, burned over areas, roadsides, etc.

• Canbar Canby Bluegrass

A vigorous quick growing early forage grass, primarily used in native restoration.

• Sandberg Bluegrass

A native bunchgrass with good drought tolerance. It is best used early for pasture, but has good season-long palatability.

• Prairie Sandreed

A sod former with potential height of 4 – 5 feet. As the name suggests, it has a good adaption to sandy sites and is most commonly used for soil stabilization.

• Buffalograss

A short (4-7”) growing, low maintenance, drought tolerant grass which spreads via above ground stolons. Its primary use has been for reclamation of disturbed areas, and for dryland turf areas such as lawns, picnic areas, campsites, etc. When used for such areas, it offers a very attractive, soft textured cover. One disadvantage of Buffalograss turf is its non-competitive nature, thus allowing for invasion of grassy weeds. Therefore we recommend a mix of one of the improved turf type Buffalograss varieties and Blue Grama in a ratio of 70% Buffalograss and 30% Blue Grama. Blue Grama will, with time, form a sod.

• Blue Grama

Has similar adaption to Buffalograss with a somewhat taller growth habit and better drought tolerance. It has a characteristic flag seed head which is very unique to Blue Grama.

• Little Bluestem

One of the most widespread of the native warm season grasses. It is native to 45 of the 50 states, and does well on a wide range of well drained soils. It is often used as an interest grass with other lower growing natives in low maintenance, and ornamental mixes. It grows to a height of approximately 24-30” and turns a brilliant russet-red in the fall.

• Side-Oats Grama

A native sod forming grass with good drought tolerance. As the name suggests, seed resembling oats hangs to one side of the seed head. As livestock forage, it is palatable and remains so even into the fall and winter. It is often used for erosion control, landscaping and ornamental use. Plant height range is 12-24”.

Turf Grasses

Irrigated

Kentucky Bluegrass is the most widely used and adapted of the turf grasses. It is fine textured, dark green, hardy and forms a dense aggressive turf due to its rhizomatous growth habit. Bluegrasses do require increased irrigation and fertilizer, especially nitrogen, to thrive. In addition to common Kentucky bluegrass, there are many excellent private varieties available offering improved texture, color, growth habit, disease resistance and in certain varieties improved drought tolerance. Bluegrass is often blended with Fine-leaf Perennial Ryegrass and/or Creeping Red Fescue to offer diversity and improved disease resistance.

• Creeping Red Fescue

A sod-former, adaptable to a wide range of conditions. Red Fescue has good shade tolerance and moderate salt tolerance. It could be used with Fults Alkaligrass in areas with higher salt content.

• Fine-Leaf Perennial Ryegrass

Similar to Bluegrass, with fine texture and good color and is often used in blends with Bluegrass. Perennial Ryegrasses are known for quicker germination and repair and thus are well adapted for athletic fields, golf course tees, etc. Like bluegrass, there are many improved private varieties available. It can be susceptible to winter kill in colder northern climates.

• Fults Alkaligrass

A specialized sod-forming grass which has good salt tolerance, and will withstand periodic flooding. It does have some tolerance to drier conditions and can be used for soil stabilization where salt is an issue.

• Turf-Type Tall Fescues

Newer varieties have led to renewed interest in the Tall Fescues for turf usage. Proprietory Tall Fescues offer good color, fine texture and good density. Tall Fescues have better stress and drought tolerance than Bluegrass and therefore fit in areas of more limited moisture, sandier soils, etc. They can be used in areas of full sun to moderate shade.

Dryland

Several grasses previously covered are adaptable for turf usage in drier areas and where lower maintenance is preferred. Among these varieties are Hard Fescue, Sheep Fescue, Fairway type Crested Wheatgrass, Turf-type Tall Fescue, Sodar Streambank, Canada Bluegrass and Fults Alkaligrass (saline areas). In addition to our Dryland Turf Mix, we can do custom blends.

Annual Forages

It may be necessary to plant an annual forage crop to relieve an unexpected hay shortage, or while waiting to establish an alfalfa planting. Annuals that can be used are Beardless Barleys, Oats, Forage Peas, Hay Millet, and Sorghum X Sudans. Our Western Forage Blend, consisting of Beardless Barley, Oats and Forage Peas has proven to be a high yielding and quality forage with excellent palatability. Our customers can attest as to the above. Warm season annual forages include Siberian Millet and Sorghum X Sudans. These are high producers, but as warm season crops they should not be seeded prior to June 1. Be aware that Millet cannot be fed to horses since it is toxic to the urinary system.

• Tiffany Teff

A warm season annual grass producing a high quality hay similar to timothy with a protein content from 12 - 17 %. It is suitable for double cropping after a cool season annual. Since Teff seed is very small, a firm seedbed such as that for alfalfa is a must. Seed must be planted after any risk of frost has passed at a rate of 5-8#’s per acre.

Turf Mixes

Seed Turf Mixes at 3-5# per 1,000 Square Feet (irrigated mixes)

• Northern Lawn Mix 60% Kentucky Bluegrass, 40% Creeping Red Fescue

• Northern Lawn Mix W/Clover 57% Kentucky Bluegrass, 40% Creeping Red Fescue, 03% White Dutch Clover

• Fast & Fine Mix 50% Kentucky Bluegrass, 40% Creeping Red Fescue, 10% Fine Leaf Perennial Ryegrass

• Athletic Field Mix 40% Kentucky Bluegrass, 30% Creeping Red Fescue, 30% Fine Leaf Perennial Ryegrass

• Shady Mix 30% Kentucky Bluegrass, 70% Creeping Red Fescue

• Fairway Mix 70% Kentucky Bluegrass, 30% Creeping Red Fescue

• Rough Mix 25% Hard Fescue, 25% Sheep Fescue, 25% Turf-Type Tall Fescue, 15% Fairway Crested Wheatgrass, 10% Canada Bluegrass

• Dryland Turf Mix 25% Hard Fescue, 20% Sheep Fescue ,20% Fairway Crested Wheatgrass, 20% Turf-type Tall Fescue, 10% Sodar Streambank Wheatgrass, 05% Canada Bluegrass Seed at 1 – 2 pounds per 1,000 Square Feet

Pasture Blends

• Fairfield Mix 25% Potomac Orchardgras,s 20% Meadow Brome, 15% Smooth Brome, 15% Spring Green, 10% Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass, 10% Climax Timothy, 05% Alsike Clover Seed at 14 – 16 pounds per acre

• Northern Dryland Mix 25% Intermediate Wheatgrass, 20% Pubescent Wheatgrass, 15% Hycrest crested Wheatgrass, 15% Slender Wheatgrass, 10% Dahurian Wildrye, 10% Paiute Orchardgrass, 05% Russian Wildrye Seed at 8 – 10 pounds per acre

• Horse Pasture Mix 30% Potomac Orchardgrass, 20% Meadow Brome, 15% Pasture Alfalfa, 15% Climax Timothy, 10% Smooth Brome, 10% Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass Seed at 14 – 16 pounds per acre

• Wetland Pasture Mix 25% Garrison Foxtail, 25% Climax Timothy, 15% Reed Canarygrass, 15% Streaker Redtop, 10% Alsike Clover, 10% Tufted Hairgrass Seed at 12 - 14 pounds per acre

• Flathead Mix 20% Potomac Orchardgrass, 20% Meadow Brome, 30% Smooth Brome, 30% Tall Fescue Seed at 14 – 16 pounds per acre

• Dryland Slope Mix 30% Fairway Crested Wheatgrass, 30% Hard Fescue, 10% Slender Wheatgrass, 10% Sodar Streambank Wheatgrass, 10% Critana Thickspike Wheatgrass, 10% Smooth Brome Seed at 8 – 10 pounds per acre

• Western Native Mix 25% Critana Thickspike Wheatgrass, 25% Slender Wheatgrass, 20% Green Needlegrass, 20% Western Wheatgrass, 10% Secar Bluebunch Wheatgrass Seed at 8 – 10 pounds per acre

• Bird Habitat Mix 25% Eski Sainfoin, 20% Tall Wheatgrass, 20% Pubescent Wheatgrass, 10% Small Burnett, 10% Ladak ’65 Alfalfa, 05% Yellow Blossom Sweet Clover, 05% Paiute Orchardgrass 05% Blue Flax Seed at 15 pounds per acre

• Rocky Mountain Wildlife Mix 25% Eski Sainfoin, 20% Meadow Brome, 20% Potomac Orchardgrass, 15% Climax Timothy, 10% Mountain Brome, 05% Alsike Clover, 05% White Clover Seed at 16 - 18 pounds per acre

NOTE: Due to factors such as seed availability, price, introduction of new varieties, etc. we may periodically change percentages and varieties in the above blends.

Native Wildflowers

Also referred to as forbs, these are gaining interest and popularity in reclamation blends as well as for recreation and landscaping sites, both commercial and residential. The following list is not all inclusive, but does include many species adapted to our market area. Those listed are all perennials unless otherwise noted.

• Blue Flax

Widely used as a specimen plant on highway roadsides and other reclamation sites. It is also well adapted to certain landscaping projects. Plant height is 12 – 24”. Its bloom period is season long, and will generally bloom the first year. Flower color is a bright light blue, an attractant for butterflies.

• Blanketflower

Blooms are a daisy-like flower in shades of yellow, scarlet, and bronze. Plant blooms in summer-fall, and grows from 18 – 24”. It is easy to grow on most sites in full sun to partial shade.

• Purple Prairie Clover

A deep rooted legume, growing to a height of 1 – 3 feet with a light purple flower. Blooming period is mid – season (June – July)

• Plains Coreopsis

An annual yellow daisy-like flower with center red-maroon band. It prefers lower sites in full sun. Bloom period is late spring – summer. Height to 24”.

• Coneflowers

Several species are available including Purple Coneflowers, growing from 2 – 3 feet with a purple flower and Upright and Mexican Red Hat growing from 1 – 3 feet. Mexican Red Hat has a predominant red-bloom flower, while upright is a yellow flower.

• Rocky Mountain Beeplant

An annual that grows from 2 – 4 feet and blooms season long with a purplepink flower. It establishes quickly and will tolerate sandy soil. It will re-seed itself.

• Western Yarrow

An aggressive fern like plant mostly used for reclamation sites since it is rhizomatous. It is very drought tolerant and is found on many native range sites. Flower is a rather inconspicuous white.

• Montana Wildflower Mix

A blend of wildflowers that grow well here. Seeding rates on Wildflowers will vary due to a wide range in seed count per pound. Please ask about the rate per 1,000 square feet.