Dactylis glomerata Ebor plant2
Introduced, yearlong-green, perennial, densely tufted grass to 1.5 m tall. Stem bases are flattened and often white. Leaves are broad, hairless and bluish green in colour; new leaves are folded. Flowerheads are erect, 1-sided, tightly contracted panicles when they first emerge; the branches spreading at maturity. A native of Europe, it is sown in pastures and naturalised along roadsides. Tolerant of acid soils (to pHCaCl2 4.0), and high exchangeable aluminium, it is often sown in these areas. Not tolerant of waterlogging. Productive, but marginally lower quality than either phalaris or tall fescue. More tolerant of acid, lower fertility soils than other sown temperate grasses, but also responds to fertiliser. There are a range of varieties with different management requirements. Avoid bulky grass growth of summer active varieties during summer and autumn to maintain quality. Heavy close grazing with sheep will kill plants, especially summer active varieties. Strategic grazing and spelling is important; set stocking through summer is not recommended.
Dactylis glomerata Ebor plant2
Introduced, yearlong-green, perennial, densely tufted grass to 1.5 m tall. Stem bases are flattened and often white. Leaves are broad, hairless and bluish green in colour; new leaves are folded. Flowerheads are erect, 1-sided, tightly contracted panicles when they first emerge; the branches spreading at maturity. A native of Europe, it is sown in pastures and naturalised along roadsides. Tolerant of acid soils (to pHCaCl2 4.0), and high exchangeable aluminium, it is often sown in these areas. Not tolerant of waterlogging. Productive, but marginally lower quality than either phalaris or tall fescue. More tolerant of acid, lower fertility soils than other sown temperate grasses, but also responds to fertiliser. There are a range of varieties with different management requirements. Avoid bulky grass growth of summer active varieties during summer and autumn to maintain quality. Heavy close grazing with sheep will kill plants, especially summer active varieties. Strategic grazing and spelling is important; set stocking through summer is not recommended.