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Overview
Dactylis glomerata is orchard grass (cock's foot), a cool-season perennial grass forming dense clumps 24-48 inches (60-120 cm) tall and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. Dense one-sided panicles 3-6 inches (7-15 cm) with spikelets bunched in tight glomerules in late spring to summer (May-July). The species name 'glomerata' means 'clustered,' referencing the tight spikelet arrangement. Blue-green to medium green flat leaves 0.2-0.4 inch (5-10 mm) wide, distinctly folded (conduplicate) in the bud — a key identification feature. In the grass family (Poaceae). Monotypic genus: Dactylis contains only D. glomerata. One of the most widely cultivated pasture and hay grasses worldwide — introduced to North America in the 1750s. The pollen is one of the most significant grass allergens, responsible for a large proportion of seasonal hay fever. More shade-tolerant than most grasses — grows under orchard trees (the American common name 'orchard grass'). The British name 'cock's foot' references the resemblance of the spikelet clusters to a rooster's foot. Forms dense tussocks that can exclude other grass species. Non-toxic (major livestock forage). Not deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant once established. Full sun to partial shade. Zones 3-9. Growth rate is moderate to fast.
Native Range
Native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. Widely naturalized worldwide — introduced to North America in the 1750s.Suggested Uses
Used in pastures, hay meadows, erosion control, and orchard understory plantings. More shade-tolerant than most grasses. Major hay fever allergen — not suited near outdoor living areas. Non-toxic (livestock forage). Naturalized worldwide.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Late spring to summer (May-July), lasting 3-4 weeks. Dense one-sided panicles with clustered spikelets. Pollen is a major hay fever allergen. Cool-season grass.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Green to purplish-green; dense one-sided panicles 3-6 inches (7-15 cm) with spikelets bunched in tight glomerulesFoliage Description
Blue-green to medium green, flat, 0.2-0.4 inch (5-10 mm) wide, distinctly folded (conduplicate) in the budGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun to partial shade — more shade-tolerant than most grasses. Well-drained soil. Dense tussock-forming. The pollen is a major allergen. Non-toxic (livestock forage). Not deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant. Zones 3-9.Pruning
Mow or cut after flowering to reduce self-seeding. In pasture settings, mow to 3-4 inches (7-10 cm). Leave standing in meadow restorations through winter. Cut dead foliage in early spring (March).Pruning Schedule
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early spring