Orchardgrass

Orchardgrass is native in Europe, but has been in cultivation in the United States for over 200 years. It is a long-lived perennial, distinctly bunch-type, with folded leaf blades. Since it does not produce stolons, it does not produce a dense sod and is especially suitable for planting in mixtures with legumes. It is most extensively grown from southern New York to Virginia and westward to Kansas. It is more tolerant to shade than most grasses. It starts growth early in the spring and produces excellent pasturage throughout the summer. If cut early it makes excellent silage or hay. Following such cutting abundant high-quality pasturage is produced under favorable moisture and fertility conditions. Orchardgrass is grown on about a million acres in the United States. Numerous selected varieties are in the trade.