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Planting Native Grasses and Forbs
Although known to be especially beneficial to species of song birds and game birds, many of Iowa's birds, mammals, reptiles and insects require grasslands at some point in their life cycle. In general, wildlife prefers open grasslands with a high concentration of forbs, especially legumes. Forbs and legumes produce seeds and high protein forage providing a food source. These open grasslands provide loafing, foraging, dusting and brood rearing cover. Dense grass stands can provide escape cover from predators. Rather than being flattened by snow cover, warm season grasses tend to bow over (forming tunnels) and return to an erect stature with snow melt. Two-thirds of a Native prairie plants' biomass is located in its root system. This extensive network, sometimes more than 12 feet long, provides excellent soil stability, organic matter/nutrient build-up, and mineral translocation. A high-diversity seed mix will most closely replicate historical vegetation and provide needed diversity for wildlife habitat. A seed mix should include a variety of grasses, sedges, legumes, and forbs (wildflowers). A diverse planting will provide a variety of food and cover, attracting a large number of different wildlife species. Species selected should only be those that were historically found in the area. Use caution not to include cultivar (flower garden) varieties of native prairie species. Avoid using seed nurseries "prairie-in-a-can" standard mixes which can contain species or hybrids that were not historically native to this area.
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