Overview
Phleum spp. is a genus of about 15 species of cool-season grasses in the family Poaceae, commonly called timothy or cat's-tail grasses, native to Europe, temperate Asia, and North Africa, with one species reaching North American mountains. Most species are tufted perennials, though a few, such as P. arenarium, are annual. Plants form clumps of narrow, flat, blue-green to green leaves and send up stiff flowering stems 8-60 in (20-150 cm) tall, depending on species. The flower head is a dense, cylindrical, spike-like panicle 1-6 in (2.5-15 cm) long, greenish to purplish, which sets the genus apart among temperate grasses. P. pratense, common timothy, is grown widely as a hay and pasture grass and has naturalized across North America and other temperate regions, where it is sometimes treated as a weed of disturbed ground. The pollen is a well-documented cause of hay fever in early summer. Alpine species such as P. alpinum are much shorter and grow in mountain grassland. The genus is shallow-rooted and sensitive to prolonged drought and high heat.
Native Range
Native to Europe, temperate Asia, and North Africa. P. pratense originates in Europe and temperate Asia and has been introduced worldwide as a forage grass, while P. alpinum occurs in mountain grassland across Europe, Asia, and North America.Suggested Uses
P. pratense is grown as hay and pasture across temperate farmland and is included in forage and erosion-control seed mixes. Ornamental and alpine species are used in meadow plantings and rock gardens, while the dried seed heads are cut for arrangements.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 5'
Width/Spread6" - 1'6"
Bloom Information
The spike-like heads emerge in late spring to summer, mainly June to August, and release pollen over several weeks. Timothy pollen is a leading grass allergen during this period. After flowering the heads dry to straw colour and shed seed.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
greenish to purplishFoliage Description
blue-green to greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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