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

Hybrid pearl millet is an introduced, warm-season annual grass commonly used for livestock forage and as a cover crop. It’s very quick to establish and can be ready for grazing in as little as four weeks after planting. Unlike sorghum and sudangrass, there is no risk of prussic acid poisoning with pearl millet. It can grow very tall and upright, often reaching between 6 and 10 feet high. Does well in soils with low fertility. Hybrid pearl millet also produces seeds that are an excellent food source for birds and makes an excellent component in wildlife food plots.

Scientific name: Pennisetum glaucum

Note: Seed has been treated with fungicide

Scientific Name: Achnatherum hymenoides

Indian ricegrass is a native, cool-season perennial grass that forms dense tufts. One of the most important native grasses in rangelands throughout the West. Palatable and nutritious for all types of livestock and wildlife. Indian ricegrass produces seeds that are sought by birds and small mammals. Very drought tolerant. Excellent for rangeland improvement, land reclamation and as a component of native pastures. Can be grown in areas that receive at least 8 inches of annual precipitation.

Streambank wheatgrass is a native, cool-season perennial sod forming grass found throughout the Intermountain West and surrounding regions. Strongly rhizomatous, streambank wheatgrass is an excellent choice for erosion control, reclamation and can even form a low-maintenance lawn. Not commonly used for forage, but is palatable to all types of livestock. One of the most drought tolerant native grasses, it can be grown in areas that receive as little as 6 inches of annual precipitation.

Scientific Name: Elymus lanceolatus ssp. psammophilus

Native to Europe and Asia, white sweet clover is very similar to yellow sweet clover but produces white flowers instead of yellow flowers. Also has a slightly different bloom time. White sweet clover is a biennial broadleaf legume introduced from Asia. Considered a weed for many years, today white sweet clover is valued as a green manure, forage legume, and honey plant. Can grow up to five feet tall during its second year. White sweet clover is very adaptable and can be found growing in a wide range of conditions. Very drought tolerant. Can become invasive in some areas. It can be cut for hay, included in pastures, or used to improve soil.

Scientific Name: Melilotus alba

Triticale is a hybrid cross between common wheat and cereal rye. This cool-season annual grass is well adapted to most areas of the US, and produces highly palatable forage. Quick growing and drought tolerant. Excellent choice for erosion control, forage production and as a cover crop. Triticale can be planted in areas that receive at least 12 inches of annual precipitation.

Scientific name: Triticum aestivum x Secale cereale

Forage radish is an annual, broadleaf member of the brassica family. Unlike the radishes grown in vegetable gardens, forage radishes produce very large roots and abundant leaf mass. They’re also known as “tillage radish” thanks to their large roots that “till” deep into the ground, naturally loosening and aerating the soil. Forage radishes provide excellent forage for wildlife. They also act as a cover crop and green manure.

Scientific name: Raphanus sativus ‘Groundhog’

Buckwheat is an introduced, broadleaf annual commonly grown for its grain-like seeds. It’s also commonly used as a cover crop to suppress weeds and as a green manure when worked into the soil. Buckwheat prefers light to medium textured soils with good drainage. Requires adequate moisture and is not tolerant of temperature extremes. Can also be used in pollinator gardens and wildlife food plots.

Scientific name: Fagopyrum esculentum

For planting use only, not for human consumption

This introduced legume is one of the best cover crops for green manure. Hairy vetch can be both an annual or short-lived perennial, and produces abundant amounts of biomass. Adapts well to most climates and soil types, but doesn’t like poorly drained sites. Excellent nitrogen-fixing abilities and weed suppresser. It can also be used as a component in pastures and wildlife food plots, but should not be a primary forage due to toxicity risk in cattle and horses. Hairy vetch is fairly drought tolerant and can be planted in areas that receive at least 18 inches of annual precipitation.

Scientific name: Vicia villosa