Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata)

Description

Where it can be grown, orchardgrass is a versatile perennial tall-growing bunch grass that establishes rapidly and is suitable for hay, silage, or pasture. With its high quality and palatability, it is a preferred species for pastures and hay. Orchardgrass is very compatible to legumes and other grasses.

Strengths

High yield - especially under good fertility management; shade tolerant; well adapted for mixtures with legumes; rapid regrowth; good summer growth; good drought tolerance; fair flooding tolerance in summer; responsive to nitrogen.

Limitations

Early to mature; forage quality and palatability decline rapidly with heading; poor flooding tolerance in winter; aggressive toward legumes; bunchy growth; less tolerance to drought or winter hardiness as tall fescue and bromegrass; poor winter flooding tolerance.