Cat grass
Dactylis glomerata
Dactylis glomerata, commonly known as cock's-foot or orchard grass, is a cool-season perennial grass belonging to the Poaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia but has been widely introduced and cultivated in many regions for forage and as a turfgrass. Here's an informative description of Dactylis glomerata:
1. Morphology:
- Growth Form: Cock's-foot is a tufted grass with a bunchgrass growth habit, forming dense clumps.
- Culms: The stems (culms) are erect and can reach heights of about 1 to 1.5 meters.
- Leaves: The leaves are long, linear, and rough on the upper surface. They often have a distinctive folded vernation.
2. Inflorescence:
- Flower Head: The flowering structure is a dense, cylindrical panicle that resembles a spike. The panicle is compact and often nodding.
3. Flowering and Seed Production:
- Flowering Time: Cock's-foot typically flowers in late spring to early summer.
- Seed Production: The grass produces small, oblong seeds, and it is a prolific seed producer.
4. Habitat and Distribution:
- Habitat: It is adaptable to various habitats and can be found in meadows, pastures, roadsides, and disturbed areas.
- Global Distribution: Cock's-foot has been widely introduced and is cultivated in temperate regions around the world.
5. Forage and Grazing:
- Forage Grass: Cock's-foot is commonly used as a forage grass for livestock due to its palatability and nutritional value.
- Grazing Tolerance: It is known for its tolerance to grazing, making it suitable for pastures.
6. Turf and Erosion Control:
- Turfgrass: In addition to its use in pastures, cock's-foot is sometimes included in grass seed mixes for lawns and turf.
- Erosion Control: The dense root system helps prevent soil erosion, making it valuable in stabilizing disturbed areas.
7. Identification Tips:
- Panicle Structure: The characteristic dense, cylindrical panicle is a key feature.
- Folded Leaves: The folded vernation of the leaves distinguishes it from some other grass species.
8. Ecological Role:
- Soil Improvement: The deep root system of cock's-foot contributes to soil structure improvement and nutrient cycling.
- Wildlife Habitat: The grass provides habitat for insects and small animals.
9. Management:
- Cultivation: Cock's-foot is often cultivated for forage and turf, and it responds well to proper management practices.
- Seed Production: It is propagated through seed, and seed quality is an important consideration in cultivation.










