Orchardgrass
Dactylis glomerata · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Pasture/Forage, Hay, and invasive weed in manicured turf
Variety / Cultivar
Common Orchardgrass (often used as a wild or forage strain; specific cultivars include 'Potomac' or 'Paiute')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3-9; excellent cold tolerance, stays green late into fall, and resumes growth early in spring.
About This Grass
A tall, coarse, clump-forming grass that stands out due to its distinct light green-to-blue-green color and upright growth. It produces characteristic 'lumpy' or 'balled' flower clusters that look like a clutched fist. Left unmowed, it can reach 2 to 4 feet in height.
Blade Characteristics
Widely flat (4-12mm), coarse texture, light green or glaucous blue-green color; V-shaped cross-section at the base; pointed tips. Key features include a very long, prominent, white membranous ligule (3-9mm) and a highly compressed (flattened) leaf sheath at the base. Auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system; does not form a sod but creates dense individual crowns. Extremely fast establishment but high tendency for clumpiness rather than uniform coverage.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia; widely naturalized in North America and temperate regions worldwide
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) without rhizomes or stolons; grows in dense tufts
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade (more shade tolerant than many forage grasses). Moderate to high water needs; good drought tolerance once established due to deep roots. Prefers well-drained fertile soils.
Mowing & Maintenance
Not suitable for low-mown turf; ideal cutting height for hay/pasture is 3-4 inches. In lawns, it is considered a weed. Requires high nitrogen for peak forage production. Maintenance level is low (as forage) to high (if trying to eradicate from lawn).
Special Characteristics
Extreme shade tolerance for a cool-season bunchgrass; high palatability for livestock; high wear tolerance for grazing; susceptible to leaf rust; distinctive flattened stems make it easy to identify manually.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America; provides significant nesting cover and forage for wildlife and livestock. Can become invasive in native prairie restorations or high-quality turf zones due to its aggressive clumping growth.