Timothy (Phleum pratense)

Description

A favorite grass for horses and hay, timothy is a cold-hardy perennial bunchgrass that can be very productive grass on clay, silt, and sandy soils, provided that there is adequate moisture available. It produces most of its annual yield in the first crop.

Strengths

Medium spring yields; late maturity; winter hardy; easy to establish; leafy regrowth; good companion for non-vigorous legumes; popular for horses.

Limitations

Poor palatability and forage quality in summer; not tolerant of frequent cutting - slow recovery; susceptible to damage when cut in the jointing stage; shallow root system - unsuitable for droughty soils; intolerance of hot and dry conditions.