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Dactylis glomerata
Dactylis glomerata
Dactylis glomerata
Dactylis glomerata

Dactylis glomerata

TAXONOMY

FamilyPoaceae
GenusDactylis
Zone4

ABOUT

Dactylis glomerata, commonly known as orchard grass or cocksfoot, is a perennial grass native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is widely used as a forage grass for livestock and is known for its clump-forming growth habit. The plant thrives in temperate climates and can tolerate a range of soil types, making it a versatile choice for pastures and meadows.

ALSO KNOWN AS

Bromus Glomeratus
Orchard Grass
Trachypoa Vulgaris
Dactylis altaica
Dactylis canariensis
Dactylis ciliata
Dactylis fasciculata
Dactylis glomerata f. acroantha
Dactylis glomerata f. amplectens
Dactylis glomerata f. angustifrons
Dactylis glomerata f. aprica
Dactylis glomerata f. barbata
Dactylis glomerata f. capitellata
Dactylis glomerata f. ibizensis
Dactylis glomerata f. latifolia
Dactylis glomerata f. laxa
Dactylis glomerata f. petrakii
Dactylis glomerata f. picta
Dactylis glomerata f. prihodae
Dactylis glomerata f. rigidior
Dactylis glomerata f. spuria
Dactylis glomerata f. subglaucescens
Dactylis glomerata f. sublaevis
Dactylis glomerata f. subspiciformis
Dactylis glomerata f. tenuifolia
Dactylis glomerata f. triramea
Dactylis glomerata subsp. altaica
Dactylis glomerata subsp. aschersoniana
Dactylis glomerata subsp. himalayensis
Dactylis glomerata subsp. hylodes
Dactylis glomerata subsp. ibizensis
Dactylis glomerata subsp. intercedens
Dactylis glomerata subsp. pendula
Dactylis glomerata subsp. polygama
Dactylis glomerata subsp. sinensis
Dactylis glomerata var. abbreviata
Dactylis glomerata var. altaica
Dactylis glomerata var. aprica
Dactylis glomerata var. aschersoniana
Dactylis glomerata var. australis
Dactylis glomerata var. ciliata
Dactylis glomerata var. confusa
Dactylis glomerata var. congesta
Dactylis glomerata var. decalcata
Dactylis glomerata var. deflexa
Dactylis glomerata var. detonsa
Dactylis glomerata var. fleischeri
Dactylis glomerata var. geomastrix
Dactylis glomerata var. glaucoviridis
Dactylis glomerata var. glomerata
Dactylis glomerata var. hackelii
Dactylis glomerata var. kroulikii
Dactylis glomerata var. laxa
Dactylis glomerata var. leiantha
Dactylis glomerata var. leiostachys
Dactylis glomerata var. luxurians
Dactylis glomerata var. macrocephala
Dactylis glomerata var. maritima
Dactylis glomerata var. nemorosa
Dactylis glomerata var. orlicensis
Dactylis glomerata var. pallida
Dactylis glomerata var. pendula
Dactylis glomerata var. pilosa
Dactylis glomerata var. pubescens
Dactylis glomerata var. rigida
Dactylis glomerata var. scabra
Dactylis glomerata var. schustleri
Dactylis glomerata var. sibthorpii
Dactylis glomerata var. spicata
Dactylis glomerata var. stenophylla
Dactylis glomerata var. stenostachys
Dactylis glomerata var. subglomerata
Dactylis glomerata var. subhirsuta
Dactylis glomerata var. subsessilis
Dactylis glomerata var. superglomerata
Dactylis glomerata var. superpolygama
Dactylis glomerata var. trichophora
Dactylis glomerata var. verticillata
Dactylis glomerata var. violascens
Dactylis hispanica
Dactylis hispanica var. maritima
Dactylis hispanica var. sibthorpii
Dactylis izcoi
Dactylis juncinella subsp. stebbinsii
Dactylis lobata
Dactylis maritima
Dactylis ortmanniana
Dactylis polygama f. ciliata
Dactylis polygama f. verticillata
Dactylis rigida
Dactylis scabra
Dactylis smithii subsp. hylodes
Dactylis villosa
Festuca glomerata
Koeleria dactylis
Limnetis glomerata
Phalaris glomerata

OVERVIEW

WaterMoist
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature15° C
Humidity60%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar

DETAILS

Care Instructions
Orchard grass prefers moderate temperatures and should be planted in areas that receive direct bright light for optimal growth. It requires regular watering but can tolerate periods of partial dryness. The plant thrives in moderate humidity and should be protected from extreme weather conditions.
Soil
Dactylis glomerata grows best in well-draining loam soil with a moderate nutrient concentration. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. It can tolerate a range of pH levels but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended for orchard grass. Fertilize in early spring and again in late summer to promote healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of root development.
Repotting
Repotting is generally not necessary for orchard grass as it is typically grown outdoors in pastures or meadows. However, if grown in containers, repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide more space for root growth.
Propagation
Orchard grass can be propagated by seed or division. Sow seeds in early spring or late summer. For division, dig up clumps in early spring or fall and separate them into smaller sections before replanting.
Pruning
Regular pruning is beneficial for orchard grass to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Cut back the grass to about 3-4 inches above the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Toxicity
Dactylis glomerata is not toxic to pets or humans. It is safe for livestock and is commonly used as forage grass.
Additional
Orchard grass is highly valued for its high nutritional content and palatability for livestock. It is also used in erosion control and as a cover crop. Regular mowing can help maintain its growth and prevent it from becoming too coarse.
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How To Grow Dactylis glomerata | EarthOne