Planting Prariegrass & Wildflowers
There is a growing interest in wildflower and native grass plantings by acreage owners. If properly planned and established these plantings will provide a very pleasing and low maintenance ground cover that will help prevent weeds. No herbicides were labeled for use in controlling weeds during establishment and maintenance of these plantings until American Cyanamid Company introduced the herbicide PLATEAU. It may be used to control weeds in native grass and wildflower plantings.
Selecting Grass and Wildflower Species
The grasses and wildflowers selected most have tolerance to PLATEAU herbicide.
It is also desirable to select species that require a low level of
maintenance. If shorter growing grasses are selected. Little or no mowing
will be required to remove excess growth.
| Short Grasses | Perennial Wildflower and Legumes Tolerant to PLATEAU Herbicide |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| sideoats grama | *shasta daisy | upright prairie coneflower | |
| blue grama | *purple prairieclover | leadplant | |
| buffalograss | *Illinois bundleflower | bicolor Lespedeza | |
| *black-eyed susan | gold yarrow | ||
| *mexican hat | partridgepea | ||
| *lupine | ox-eye daisy | ||
| *purple coneflower | sensitive vine | ||
| wild violet | |||
*These are species that were planted along with a PLATEAU herbicide application in the spring of 1997 on a one acre site in the county. See location of site below.
Some seed suppliers are putting together seed packets that are considered PLATEAU ready. These include Stock Seed Farms.
Planting and Establishment of Native Grasses and Wildflowers (1) The first key to a successful planting is a weed-free, firm seed bed.
(2) The second key is using a seeding method that results in good seed-soil contact. A grass drill does the best job. If broadcast seeding is used, dragging and compacting the seedbed after planting will improve the seed-soil contact.
(3) Apply 4oz of PLATEAU herbicide in early spring as needed to control weeds on established stands of grass and wildflowers.
Application of PLATEAU Herbicide Follow label driections or hire a commercial applicator to make the application.
See a Native Grass and Wildflower Planting You can observe a planting that was made in the spring of 1997. This planting is located on the south side of W. Alvo Rd 1/4 mile east of NW27th St. just north of the Kawasaki plant and Hiway 34.
