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.