Orchard grass

Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata)

Plant Species
From Montana Interagency Plant Materials Handbook *
By S. Smoliak, R.L. Ditterline, J.D. Scheetz, L.K. Holzworth, J.R. Sims, L.E. Wiesner, D.E. Baldridge, and G.L. Tibke

Orchardgrass is an introduced, long-lived, perennial bunchgrass. It was introduced into North America from Europe about 1760, and is now common throughout the continent, where it occupies an important place as a cultivated grass for hay and pasture. It is commonly found growing in the shade of orchards, which undoubtedly led to its most widely-known, common name. In Europe it is called "cock's foot," which is descriptive of its characteristic seed head shape.

Description

Orchardgrass is a medium- to long-lived, perennial bunchgrass with a dense, deep, fibrous root system. Unless grazed or mowed, it grows in clumps to form tussocks. It is readily distinguished by its large circular bunches, folded leaf-blades and compressed sheaths. The soft, light-green leaves are predominantly basal, with some leaves on the flowering culm. Seeds are borne in a moderately compact-to-open panicle, 4 to 10 inches long, on a stalk 2 to 5 feet tall. Tillering occurs almost continuously, and within a single clump, tillers will be in all stages of development. Total root production is at least 5,000 pounds per acre in the upper 8 inches of soil. Spring growth begins in late March or early April, and is not checked by high summer temperatures. This grass develops about one month earlier than timothy.

Adaptation

Orchardgrass is grown, to some extent, in nearly every state in the Union. Its greatest abundance is in the Pacific Northwest and northeastern states. It is not as winterhardy as some other pasture species, but does well where there is sufficient snow cover. This grass is adapted to subhumid or irrigated conditions on medium-textured, well-drained, fertile soils that are calcareous, neutral or medium acid. Under dryland conditions, it requires 18 to 25 inches annual precipitation, with the exception of `Paiute,' which was specifically selected for its drought hardiness.

Limitations

The lack of winterhardiness limits the use of orchardgrass in parts of the northern United States and Canada; however, more hardy cultivars are being developed. Orchardgrass requires soil with good internal drainage, thriving in low-lying areas only if well drained. It will tolerate only moderate salinity, and most cultivars will not tolerate prolonged dry periods.

Use for Hay

Orchardgrass grows tall enough for easy harvesting of a hay crop. Although it is aggressive, its bunch habit of growth allows legumes to grow well in mixtures, provided the seeding rate is not too high. Orchardgrass grown alone will give an average hay yield from 1 to 2 tons per acre of hay, but when grown with clover or alfalfa, yields of 2 to 3 tons per acre can be expected. When grown with a legume, the nitrogen requirements are greatly reduced. Regrowth is rapid, and it will provide good yields as a second cutting or provide good late summer grazing. Harvesting should be done when the orchardgrass is fully headed, but prior to bloom.

Use for Pasture

Orchardgrass is a preferred pasture forage wherever it is adapted because of its early spring growth and its rapid recovery following grazing. It has excellent regrowth during the hot summer months when other grasses are not as productive. With adequate moisture, fall growth is good. The best yields from orchardgrass or orchardgrass-legume pastures are achieved when livestock are allowed to graze when growth is about 8 to 9 inches high, and taken out when the stubble height reaches 4 inches. Since the main food storage of orchardgrass is in the lower stems and leaf parts, it does not tolerate close and continuous grazing.

Seed Production

The seed of orchardgrass generally matures during the middle of July. Upon maturity, the seed head will turn yellow, although the culms and leaves remain green. Seed can be direct combined or combined from a windrow. If direct combining, the header should be raised as high as possible to avoid running the still succulent stems and leaves through the machine. Seed readily shatters when ripe. Seed yield of 400 to 500 pounds per acre can be expected on irrigated sites, with reported yields as high as 1,000 lbs/acre. Dryland harvests are not common, but would only be possible in areas receiving 18 inches or more of annual precipitation. Seed yields respond well to nitrogen fertilization.

* The Montana Interagency Plant Materials Handbook (EB69) is no longer in print, but is available for viewing in
Montana County Extension Service and National Resource Conservation Service Offices.