Orchardgrass

Dactylis glomerata (Grasses)

Orchardgrass is a bunch-type, tall-growing, cool-season perennial grass. It is one of the most productive cool-season grasses, tolerant to shade, fairly drought resistant with moderate winter hardiness. Orchardgrass does not exhibit as much tolerance to drought or winter hardiness as Tall Fescue and Bromegrass. New disease-resistant varieties and good management techniques should help maintain high-producing stands for several years, even in the more shallow soils in south Missouri.

There are 4 different varities of Orchardgrass: Standard Orchardgrass, Paiute, Potomac and Profile. Give us a call and we can get you prices.

Height 12-48 Inches

Spread 12-48 Inches

Growing & Maintenance Tips Orchardgrass is well adapted to grow with legumes such as Alfalfa, Red Clover, lespedezas and White Clover. It establishes more easily than Bromegrass or Timothy when seeded with other species. Stands will be more productive and last longer than Bromegrass or timothy when grown with alfalfa that is cut frequently and heavily fertilized. Orchardgrass will persist and make reasonable yields on soils that have moderately poor drainage. However, it will not tolerate wet areas as well as Reed Canarygrass or Tall Fescue.

Interesting Notes The rapid decline in palatability and quality as Orchardgrass matures is the major deterrent to its use. Orchardgrass requires careful management to ensure that it is harvested promptly. Orchardgrass responds well to nitrogen fertilization and is very compatible with legumes in a mixture. It is not as winter hardy or drought tolerant as smooth Bromegrass but can survive and be highly productive.

Characteristics & Attributes

Attracts Wildlife Upland Birds	Attributes Ground Cover	Exposure Sun Partial Sun Shade	Soil Moisture Preference Average