How to Grow Forage Shrubs
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Forage Shrubs
Various species (Salix, Crataegus, Sambucus, and others)
shrubForage shrubs are woody perennial plants cultivated specifically for providing nutritious browse and feed for livestock, wildlife, and homesteading animals. These shrubs offer high-protein leaves, twigs, and sometimes fruits that serve as supplemental or primary feed sources, particularly valuable during winter months when fresh vegetation is scarce. They improve land productivity, prevent erosion, and support integrated farming systems.
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Example Forage Shrubs timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Forage Shrubs
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Forage Shrubs
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Forage Shrubs dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Varies by species; most common forage shrubs thrive in zones 2-9, with some species suited to extreme cold or warm regions
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Get my Forage Shrubs timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
1 yearYoung seedlings or bare-root whips establishing root systems and initial shoot growth; tender growth vulnerable to browsing
Protect from livestock and wildlife for first season; maintain consistent moisture; mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds; avoid pruning heavily during first year
Vegetative Growth
1-3 yearsVigorous expansion of branches and leaf production; plant develops woody structure; foliage becomes denser and more nutritious
Allow unrestricted growth to build structure; minimal pruning except to remove dead wood; light browsing acceptable but not heavy grazing; thin competing vegetation
Productive Browsing
3-20+ yearsPlant reaches harvestable size with abundant leafy twigs and branches; foliage quality peaks; may produce flowers and fruits depending on species
Harvest forage through controlled browsing or cut-and-carry systems; never remove more than 30-50% of annual growth; maintain plant vigor through moderate harvesting; pollard or coppice annually if using for traditional forage management
Fruiting/Seed Production
Seasonal (spring/summer flowering, fall/winter fruit ripening)Some species (hawthorn, elder, sea buckthorn) produce edible or livestock-beneficial fruits and berries; seeds develop for regeneration or wildlife food
Minimal intervention; fruits add nutritional value for livestock and wildlife; allow some natural regeneration from seed; prune selectively to improve fruit production
Renewal/Coppicing
Ongoing cycle every 3-5 yearsPeriodic cutting back of mature branches stimulates vigorous new growth with higher nutritional value; maintains plant longevity and prevents senescence
Coppice every 3-5 years after plant is established; cut to 1-2 feet above ground in late winter; expect rapid regrowth in spring; coppiced growth is often more palatable to livestock
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Introduce natural predators (ladybugs, lacewings); spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; tolerate light infestations as they rarely cause economic damage on forage shrubs
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and
(herbivory pressure)
Install deer fencing (8 feet tall) around young plantings; use tree guards; fence-off establishment areas for first season; select native species naturally adapted to local wildlife
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and
Ensure good air circulation through spacing and pruning; remove infected branches; improve drainage; fungicides rarely necessary for forage shrubs
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Prune affected branches; spray with dormant oil in late winter; maintain vigorous growth through proper fertilization
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Implement rotational grazing; limit to 30-50% annual harvest; use controlled cut-and-carry systems; monitor plant recovery between grazing cycles
Uses
Livestock & Animal Feed
CulinaryForage shrubs provide high-protein leaf and twig biomass for cattle, goats, sheep, rabbits, and other livestock. Many species offer superior nutritional profiles to traditional hay, with higher digestibility and mineral content during growth phases. [source]
Wildlife Support & Food Source
WildlifeForage shrubs provide essential browse, shelter, and food (fruits, seeds, insects) for native fauna including deer, birds, bees, and pollinators. Improves habitat connectivity and ecosystem resilience. [source]
Soil Improvement & Erosion Control
HouseholdDeep-rooted forage shrubs prevent erosion on slopes, improve soil structure, increase organic matter, and some nitrogen-fixing species (alder, willow) naturally enrich soil fertility. Ideal for riparian buffers and marginal lands. [source]
Biomass & Fuel Production
CraftCoppiced forage shrub branches provide sustainable biomass for firewood, charcoal, or biofuel production. Fast-growing willows and alders are particularly valuable for short-rotation coppice systems. [source]
Phytochemical & Health Benefits
MedicinalMany forage shrubs (willow bark, hawthorn, sea buckthorn) contain bioactive compounds with potential anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, and immune-supporting properties for humans and animals consuming the browse. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest year-round depending on species and climate; peak nutrition typically occurs in spring and early summer; use cut-and-carry systems (cut branches and deliver to animals) or allow controlled browsing; for coppiced shrubs, harvest 3-5 years after cutting back; avoid harvesting during extreme stress (severe drought); collect fresh forage in morning after dew dries for optimal palatability; woody twigs are valuable winter forage when dried
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Willow forage shrubs can grow 3-6 feet per year in short-rotation coppice systems, making them among the fastest-growing temperate woody plants and ideal for rapid biomass production.
- 🌱 Traditional European silvopasture systems have used forage shrub 'fodder banks' for centuries—farmers deliberately cultivated shrubby areas to cut and dry forage for winter livestock feed during periods when fresh pasture was unavailable.
- 🌱 Some forage shrubs like sea buckthorn contain all nine essential amino acids and are nutritionally superior to many conventional grains; goats and other livestock show distinct preference for high-protein browse species when given free choice.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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