Sheeps Burnett

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.