Is there another name for orchard grass?

orchard grass, (Dactylis glomerata), also called cocksfoot grass, perennial pasture, hay, and forage grass of the family Poaceae.

What is the scientific name for orchard grass?

NRCS PLANT CODE : DAGL COMMON NAMES : orchardgrass cocksfoot (European) TAXONOMY : The currently accepted scientific name of orchardgrass is Dactylis glomerata L. [ 21,62,67].

What kind of grass is orchard grass?

Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) is a perennial, cool-season, tall-growing, grass which does not have rhizomes or stolons (bunch-type grass).

Is fescue the same as orchard grass?

Orchardgrass is largely grown for pastures and to produce hay and fodder for cattle. Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are grown both for their grazing qualities and for their usefulness as turf.

What is orchard grass look like?

Leaves are broadly tapered to a point and the base is v-shaped. Sheaths and ligules are smooth and membranous. The inflorescence is a panicle up to 6 inches (15 cm.) long with two to five flowered spikelets in dense side clusters.

ORCHARDGRASS (Dactylis glomerata)

What is the difference between timothy hay and orchard grass?

Oxbow Western Timothy Hay is high in fibre, low in protein and calcium and is a good, basic grass hay with high quality nutrition. Orchard grass is another cool-season grass; it grows in tufts and is more drought tolerant than Timothy hay. Orchard grass has a soft texture and is high in fibre and low in protein.

What is orchard grass good for?

Grazing/Hayland: The primary use of orchardgrass is for pasture and hay forage production (Ogle, et al., 2011a). It is highly palatable to all classes of livestock. It is one of the best forage grasses for use in the Northern states under intensive rotational grazing systems.

Does orchard grass come back every year?

There are some varietal variations but, in general, orchardgrass matures about one week earlier than tall fescue and about two weeks before smooth bromegrass. It also regrows quickly after harvest, making it well suited for seeding with frequently harvested alfalfa.

Can you overseed orchard grass?

A deep furrow or range drill with press wheels may be used; Orchardgrass is easily established with grain drills or by broadcasting seeding. The seeding rate is 8 to 12 pounds/acre. For range and critical area treatment a seeding rate of 3 to 4 pounds/acre is recommended. If broadcast, double the seeding rate.

Is orchard grass good for lawn?

It is a perennial that is used a forage grass and often ends us in lawns. It is best known for its rapid growth, its long membranous ligule, and its distinctly folded vernation. There is no good control for it, other than pulling it or using Roundup on it.

What is orchard grass seed?

Orchardgrass is a cool-season, tall-growing, bunchgrass. It can tolerate shade and drought and still manages to stay very productive. This grass is fast growing and can produce 2 1/2 to 4 tons of forage per acre.

When should I cut orchard grass?

Therefore, the best time to do any cutting is when grasses have reached what is called the “late boot stage”. This stage is typically reached after 6 to 8 weeks of growth in the spring or 6 to 8 weeks after a previous cutting. The “late boot stage” is when the seed head of the grasses first pops out of the sheath.

Will deer eat orchard grass?

Deer don't eat orchard grass – or any pasture grass. They will eat the clover, but the grass will outcompete the clover for nutrients.

How do you get rid of orchard grass?

Use white vinegar

Pick up some white vinegar and pour it into a spray bottle. A good rule of thumb is to use 2 cups of vinegar for every 1 square foot of orchardgrass you want to kill. This simple white vinegar solution should kill orchardgrass within a few days.

What is the scientific name of Kentucky bluegrass?

Poa pratensis, commonly known as Kentucky Bluegrass or Common Meadow-grass, is a perennial species of grass.

How long does it take for orchard grass to grow?

For most grasses, this is about 3-6 weeks after planting, but could be longer depending on growing conditions. Remember to be gentle when mowing the first few times — the seedlings will be somewhat tender.

What animals eat orchard grass?

Orchard Grass can be fed free choice to rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, prairie dogs and other herbivores as an alternative to timothy, oat hay, and brome.

Is orchard grass hay good for cows?

A sought-after grass known for its soft, highly palatable leaves, orchardgrass is suitable for horses, cattle, and small ruminants. It has good quality forage with heavy spring yield and moderate fall production but is less drought tolerant than fescue.

Where is orchard grass native to?

Orchard grass is native to temperate Eurasia and North Africa and is widely cultivated throughout the world. It has naturalized in many places and is considered an invasive species in some areas outside its native range.

How do you grow orchard grass at home?

Just cover the seeds and tamp the soil, then lightly mulch. Sow at a rate of 4.5kg (10 lb) per acre, or mix 2.5kg (5 lb) orchard grass with 4.5kg (10 lb) crimson clover per acre. Left to grow, Dactylis can reach a height of 140cm (55"). It is one of the finest silage grasses, producing quality hay.

Is Timothy grass the same as Timothy hay?

Timothy Grass has a slightly higher protein and is greener in appearance. Timothy Hay is a mix of leaves and stems from Timothy grass, which is a perennial bunch grass. Timothy Hay is high in fiber and low in protein which is a combination critical to the health of rabbits and other small animals.

Is orchard hay the same as orchard grass?

There are two primary types of horse hay: legume and grass. Alfalfa is the best variety of legume hay, and Orchard grass is the grass hay I recommend; however, Timothy, bermudagrass, bahiagrass, and Kentucky bluegrass are also excellent choices.

Is timothy or orchard grass better?

Orchard Grass is higher in protein (10-12%), higher in calorie content and contains the same balanced levels of calcium and phosphorus as Timothy grass. The higher calorie content of Orchard Grass is a result of higher fiber digestibility compared to Timothy Grass.