Common flax is an annual broadleaf crop commonly used for its fiber, edible seeds, and for its production of linseed oil, which is created from drying its seeds. It grows up to 4 feet tall and sprouts beautiful blue or purple flowers. As a cool-season crop, common flax thrives in full sun and has very low water requirements. It prefers fertile, well-drained soils. Excellent for erosion control and food plot use.

Scientific Name: Linum usitatissimum

Pubescent wheatgrass is an introduced perennial grass very similar to intermediate wheatgrass, but it is more drought tolerant and winter hardy. This crop is identifiable by the short, stiff hairs on its seeds and seedheads. Commonly used for grazing and hay, pubescent wheatgrass is adapted to a wide range of soil conditions and elevations. Grows up to 4 feet tall.

Scientific name: Thinopyrum intermedium ssp. barbulatum

Also known as forage pea or Austrian winter pea, field pea is a cool-season annual legume used as a green manure cover crop, pasture forage, and in wildlife food plots. Field peas are quick to establish and produce abundant biomass. Very cold hardy and water efficient. Field pea prefers well-drained loam or clay soils and are often partnered with cereal grains such as oats. Makes an excellent component of big game food plots. For best results, sow in the fall or early spring.

Scientific Name: Pisum sativum ssp. arvense

Cereal rye is a cool-season, introduced annual bunchgrass. It’s the hardiest of all the cereal grains, and can be seeded late into the fall. Excellent choice for climates with harsh winters. It also tolerates dry, infertile soils and is very quick to establish. May become aggressive and spread to other areas. Cereal rye makes a great cover crop, and also has value in wildlife food plots. It can be planted in areas that receive at least 8 inches of annual precipitation.

Scientific name: Secale cereale

Scientific Name: Bromus marginatus

Mountain brome is a cool-season perennial bunchgrass native to the Intermountain West. It germinates quickly and produces a deep root system, making it an excellent choice for erosion control. Mountain brome is also palatable for wildlife and livestock but can be short-lived in pastures. It grows up to four feet tall and prefers deep fertile soils of medium to fine texture. Not tolerant to flooding or water-logged soils. It can be grown without irrigation in areas receiving at least 16 inches of annual precipitation.

Native to parts of Europe and Asia, sainfoin is a perennial legume which produces very palatable, nutritious hay and forage. Unlike other legumes, sainfoin carries no bloat risk when used as primary forage for grazing animals. It’s very drought tolerant and can be grown without irrigation in areas receiving at least 12 inches of annual rainfall. Grows up to four feet tall and produces showy pink flowers. Important to honey bees and produces the highest quality honey. It requires well-drained, calcareous soils.

Scientific Name: Onobrychis viciifolia

Native to Europe and parts of Asia, intermediate wheatgrass is a cool-season perennial grass with a spreading growth habit. It produces good to excellent quality forage and hay, and can reach four feet tall. Intermediate wheatgrass prefers well-drained, fertile soils but can tolerate a wide range of conditions. Quick to germinate, intermediate wheatgrass is also a good choice for erosion control and reclamation projects. Can be grown without irrigation in areas receiving between 12-14 inches of annual precipitation.

Scientific Name: Thinopyrum intermedium, previously known as Agropyron intermedium

An introduced species, alsike clover is a short-lived non-creeping perennial legume. It’s well adapted to cool moist areas of the United States and is very cold hardy. It can reach a height of 2-4 feet and produces an abundance of white or pink flowers. Alsike clover tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including soils too acidic and wet for other clovers. Used for hay, pasture and soil improvement and is particular beneficial to honey bees. Performs best when partnered with grasses. Alsike clover can be grown without irrigation in areas receiving at least 18 inches of annual precipitation.

Scientific Name: Trifolium hybridum