Sheeps Burnett

Sanguisorba minor
 
Sheeps Burnet is a perennial forage herb. Introduced into the New Zealand high country to re-vegetate erosive and semi-arid areas. Originating from southwest Europe. This forage herb adds diversity grazing pastures. It has a large oval-shaped, angular-seed, 3 - 4mm in length, leaflets have toothed margins with midrib. Flower heads dense on long stalks and crimson coloured. It is deep rooting with strong taproots.
 
pros 
	
early spring growth in low rainfall areas and moderate soil fertility 
	
spring and autumn growth provides quality grazing over a long growing season
	
persistent - drought tolerant
	
improves animal health with its store of nutrients
	
good frost tolerance
	
develops soil quality - drawing up minerals and trace elements from subsoils and stores them in the top layer of the soil
	
large deep taproot, which helps it remain green on shallow, dry soils.
	
helps to reduce soil erosion
	
grows in the same conditions as Hieracium, no evidence that it has competitive abilities against Hieracium
 
Cons
	
sensitive to the high-temperature fluctuations
	
limited summer production if scorching hot and dry
	
slow initial establishment
	
overgrazing when young or excessive grazing during establishment may reduce the plant population, and it can disappear from the pasture 
	
does not grow well in mid to high rainfall areas
	
not advised to be sown as a pure stand, but is a healthy addition to grazing pastures
 
Sowing Rate
	
22.5kg per ha. 
	
Not usually sown as a pure pasture 
Mixture Sowing Rate Advice
	
2.5kg per ha.
Ideal Sowing Time
	
sown in spring until early autumn; late autumn sowing not recommended.