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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Reno, Nevada » Great Basin Rangelands Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #435612
Research Project: System-based Management and Rehabilitation of Rangelands

Location: Great Basin Rangelands Research

Title: Seeding Antelope Bitterbrush

Author
item Clements, Darin
item Harmon, Daniel

Submitted to: Popular Publication
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/18/2026
Publication Date: 7/14/2026
Citation: Clements, D.D., Harmon, D.N. 2026. Seeding Antelope Bitterbrush. Popular Publication. 26(6):27-29.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Antelope bitterbrush is one of the most important browse species on many western rangelands. Lack of antelope bitterbrush seedling recruitment in natural stands results in old decadent stands that lack seed production and nutritional value. Fire, excessive grazing, insects, drought and other unfavorable weather conditions can all contribute to the deterioration of antelope bitterbrush communities. Pioneer researchers, such as Gus Hormay, made it clear in the early 1940s that antelope bitterbrush populations were not renewing themselves and that artificial establishment of antelope bitterbrush was going be a major management effort to sustain this critical browse species. A tremendous amount of research has been directed toward refining artificial seeding of antelope bitterbrush to improve restoration success, which include 1) collecting, processing, and storing seed, 2) selection of planting site, 3) time of planting, 4) depth, method and rate of seeding, 5) seedling competition, and 6) rodent predation. With the fire season upon us, much of the Intermountain west has experienced drought conditions, increasing the risks of wildfires throughout mountain brush communities. The ability of resource managers to properly plan for desirable species, including antelope bitterbrush, proper preparation (i. e. seed purchasing) and proper methodologies of seeding these desirable species will be imperative to achieve stated goals and objectives related to restoration of antelope bitterbrush as well as other critical herbaceous and browse species to enhance grazing and wildlife resources. Here we present past research as well research conducted by the USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Great Basin Rangelands Unit to better informed resource managers and landowners on how to successfully restore this critical browse species.