Tuatara Plantain

A perennial forb, with branched taproot, for use in pasture mixes. Widely used in mixed ryegrass, white, and red cover pastures in New Zealand. Highly palatable in vegetative stages and high protein levels—up to 23%. Contains high levels of several minerals which are retained by grazing animals better than those from ryegrass. Tolerant of summer heat and with similar drought tolerance as orchardgrass. Improves pasture performance, particularly on less fertile or droughty soils.

Best Use:

Grazing. Use in a mixed-species pasture or can be planted in a pure stand. Can be hayed, but slow to dry.

Management:

Emergence is rapid, similar to that of perennial ryegrass, but a weak competitor. Most successful establishment will be with slower establishing grasses.

Planting Date:

March-May

Seeding:

2 to 4 lbs/A in a mix or 4.5 to 9 lbs as pure stand