Timothy Grass
Phleum pratense
Also listed as Phleum bulbosum, Phleum nodosum
Also known as Timothy, Meadow Cat's-tail, Common Cat's-tail
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Timothy grass is a cool-season perennial grass valued for hay and pasture production. It forms dense tufts of upright stems and is highly nutritious for livestock.
Why grow it
Timothy grass produces reliable, nutrient-dense forage across cool-season climates where many other grasses falter, making it a standard choice for hay and pasture systems in northern regions. Its dense, upright growth habit provides good ground coverage with minimal establishment time compared to some perennial alternatives. Extension services recommend it for rotational grazing systems and as a component of diverse pasture mixes rather than as a monoculture.
Watch out for
Timothy establishes slowly in the seedling year and can be shaded out by aggressive companion plants, so seedbed preparation and early weed management are important. Stands may thin over time in poorly drained soils or under heavy continuous grazing without adequate rest periods for recovery.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Poaceae
Native Range
Europe and western Asia
Seasonality
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
Timothy grass is a cool-season perennial grass valued for hay and pasture production. It forms dense tufts of upright stems and is highly nutritious for livestock.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Timothy Grass grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Timothy grass produces reliable, nutrient-dense forage across cool-season climates where many other grasses falter, making it a standard choice for hay and pasture systems in northern regions. Its dense, upright growth habit provides good ground coverage with minimal establishment time compared to some perennial alternatives. Extension services recommend it for rotational grazing systems and as a component of diverse pasture mixes rather than as a monoculture.
Watch out for
Timothy establishes slowly in the seedling year and can be shaded out by aggressive companion plants, so seedbed preparation and early weed management are important. Stands may thin over time in poorly drained soils or under heavy continuous grazing without adequate rest periods for recovery.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Poaceae
Native Range
Europe and western Asia
Seasonality
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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