Seed Mixes for Sage Grouse Habitat
Seed Mixes for Sage Grouse Habitat
We specialize in the seeds recommended for sage grouse habitat and carry over 350 native and introduced species. If you are a landowner in the Sage Grouse Initiative (SGI) or want to be, we recommend you visit the SGI website, get involved, then contact us for help with your seed needs.
Note: There are no “set” or “pre-mixed” seed mixes for Sage Grouse habitat. Every mix is different, and the species and ratios are based upon the climate, soils and ecosystem of your area. Give us a call and we will help you formulate the mix that is right for you.
Product Description
Sage Grouse at Risk
In the United States the Sage Grouse is a candidate for listing under the Endangered Species Act. The leading factor in the decline of Sage Grouse populations is loss of habitat. Urban expansion, wildfires, invasive weeds and exotic grasses, and removal of the sagebrush-steppe have shrunk the habitat of the Sage Grouse and have contributed to the population decline.
Sage Grouse Initiative
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) launched the Sage Grouse Initiative (SGI) in 2010 in an effort to restore Sage Grouse habitat and revive the declining population. The effort is largely being carried out on private lands where Sage Grouse habitats are intact and bird numbers are highest. Efforts currently under way to improve sagebrush habitat include:
- Conifer Removal
- Conservation Easements
- Grazing Systems
- Marking Fences
- Invasive Weed Control
- Exotic Species Control
- Seeding Projects
How Great Basin Seed Can Help
The NRCS, universities, state agencies and Sage Grouse Initiative partners have established seed species recommended for habitat improvement. Their lists are comprised of every day seed staples here at Great Basin Seed. We specialize in the seeds recommended for sage grouse habitat. If you are a landowner in the SGI or want to be, we recommend you visit the SGI website, get involved, then contact us for help with your seed needs.
Below are a few species recommended for seeding in Sage Grouse habitat:
| Valuable Sage Grouse Species | Scientific Name | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Big Sagebrush | Artemesia tridentata wyomingensis | Key shrub species in Sage Grouse habitat |
| Basin Big Sagebrush | Artemesia tridentata tridentata | Key shrub species in Sage Grouse habitat |
| Winterfat | Krascheninnikovia lanata | Native shrub /sub-shrub |
| Rubber Rabbitbrush | Ericameria nauseosa | Native Shrub |
| Needle and Thread Grass | Hesperostipa comata | Native Grass |
| Western Wheatgrass | Pascopyrum smithii | Native Grass |
| Thickspike Wheatgrass | Elymus lanceolatus | Native Grass |
| Bluebunch Wheatgrass | Pseudoroegneria spicata | Native Grass |
| Snake River Wheatgrass | Elymus wawawaiensis | Native Grass |
| Indian Ricegrass | Achnatherum hymenoides | Native Grass |
| Bottlebrush Squirreltail | Elymus elymoides | Native Grass |
| Slender Wheatgrass | Elymus trachycaulus | Native Grass |
| Sideoats Grama | Bouteloua curtipendula | Native Grass |
| Green Needlegrass | Nassella viridula | Native Grass |
| Blue Grama | Bouteloua gracilis | Native Grass |
| Idaho Fescue | Festuca idahoensis | Native Grass |
| Galleta Grass | Hilaria jamesii | Native Grass |
| Basin Wildrye | Leymus cinereus | Native Grass |
| Mountain Brome | Bromus marginatus | Native Grass |
| Prairie Junegrass | Koeleria macrantha | Native Grass |
| Western Yarrow | Achillea millefolium | Native Forb |
| Perennial Gaillardia (Blanketflower) | Gaillardia aristada | Native Forb |
