Dactylis glomerata (Cock's Foot, Orchard Grass, Cat Grass)

Botanical Information

FamilyPoaceae
GenusDactylis
Speciesglomerata
CategoryWildflowers & Weeds
OriginNative to Britain.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer		The grass is popularly grown to satisfy the craving of domestic cats to chew grass, hence its name cat grass.

Description and Growing Information

ShapeUpright and dense.
LandscapeOften grown as hay crop.
PropagationSeed.
CultivationFull sun and partial-shade. Well-drained and moist soil. Prefers loam, clay-loam or gravelly loam.
PestsCaterpillars can be a problem.
HabitatMeadows, pastures and rough grasslands.
Leaf DescriptionThe leaves are 20 - 50 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. Flatten stem base which distinguishes it from many other grasses,
Flower DescriptionTufted triangular flower heads that are 10 - 15 cm long. Spikelets are 5 - 9 mm long and contain 2 - 5 flowers.
Colour DescriptionThe leaves are green. The flowers are greenish-red to purple.

Photographs