Where does the orchard grass plant come from?

: Orchardgrass is native to western and central Europe and has been grown in North America since the 1750’s.

Why is orchardgrass not widely used in Ontario?

However, because it heads so very early in the spring and then declines quickly in digestible energy and protein, it has not been as widely used for stored forage in Ontario compared to other forage grasses. This is changing more recently, as plant breeders are researching and developing newer orchardgrass varieties with later maturity.

What are the characteristics of an orchard grass?

Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) is a perennial, cool-season, tall-growing, grass which does not have rhizomes or stolons (bunch-type grass). Table 1. Characteristics of perennial cool-season grasses in the Northeast. a pH below 6.0. b Maturity characteristic refers to relative time of seed head appearance in the spring.

Where can I find orchard grass for hay?

In fact, orchardgrass has been cultivated for pasture and hay since colonial times and has been an important forage in horse husbandry since then. Orchardgrass is commonly found thriving in shady areas, such as orchards and forest borders, which is where its name likely originated.

Which is the best variety of orchardgrass to buy?

Buying a certified variety gives the best assurance of obtaining quality seed. The minimum specifications for certified orchardgrass seed are 85 percent purity and 80 percent germination. Eight pounds of clean, high germination seed is usually adequate to obtain good stands of orchardgrass.

What kind of animals will eat orchard grass?

Wildlife: Elk and deer find orchardgrass highly palatable and will utilize it most of the year. Orchardgrass is sometimes used in grass-legume mixes for nesting,brood rearing, escape, and winter cover in upland wildlife and conservation plantings. However, upland birds and waterfowl often prefer taller grasses that develop sparser