Orchard Grass
Dactylis glomerata
Also listed as Bromus glomeratus, Festuca glomerata
Also known as Cocksfoot, Cocksfoot Grass, Rough Cocksfoot
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Orchard grass is a cool-season perennial grass known for its dense, tufted growth and excellent forage quality. It tolerates a range of conditions and is commonly used in pastures, hay fields, and as a lawn grass in cooler climates.
Why grow it
Orchard grass establishes quickly and persists longer than many cool-season forage grasses, making it reliable for pasture systems that need both productivity and longevity. It tolerates moderate shade and variable soil conditions better than timothy or tall fescue in comparable climates, and recovers well after grazing or cutting. University extension services recommend it as a component in diverse pasture mixes rather than as a monoculture, particularly where cool-season growth and palatability matter.
Watch out for
Orchard grass can become somewhat coarse and less palatable to livestock as it matures, particularly in mid to late summer. It may require more frequent cutting or grazing management to maintain forage quality compared to some finer-textured alternatives. Establishment can be slow in the first season, so patience and proper seedbed preparation improve success rates.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Poaceae
Native Range
Europe and western Asia
Seasonality
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Orchard grass is a cool-season perennial grass known for its dense, tufted growth and excellent forage quality. It tolerates a range of conditions and is commonly used in pastures, hay fields, and as a lawn grass in cooler climates.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Orchard Grass grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Orchard grass establishes quickly and persists longer than many cool-season forage grasses, making it reliable for pasture systems that need both productivity and longevity. It tolerates moderate shade and variable soil conditions better than timothy or tall fescue in comparable climates, and recovers well after grazing or cutting. University extension services recommend it as a component in diverse pasture mixes rather than as a monoculture, particularly where cool-season growth and palatability matter.
Watch out for
Orchard grass can become somewhat coarse and less palatable to livestock as it matures, particularly in mid to late summer. It may require more frequent cutting or grazing management to maintain forage quality compared to some finer-textured alternatives. Establishment can be slow in the first season, so patience and proper seedbed preparation improve success rates.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Poaceae
Native Range
Europe and western Asia
Seasonality
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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