Family: Poaceae
orchard grass
Matthew L. Wagner
Christopher Noll
University of Wisconsin - Madison (WIS-VP)
Etymology: Dactylis: from Greek dactylos meaning "finger"
Plants: erect, perennial, 2'- 2 1/2' tall grass
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized; potentially invasive
Plants: erect, perennial, 2'- 2 1/2' tall grass
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized; potentially invasive
A European grass introduced for forage that is established in fields, lawns, farmyards and pastures, along roadsides and railroads, waste areas, rock outcrops, lakeshores, ditches, gravel lots, dumps, on riverbanks, at campgrounds, sometimes invading prairies and woods (usually along trails or in clearings).
First collected in 1879. Although common, this species does not seem to be aggressive and never becomes dominant. The clumps of slightly succulent leaves stay green through the winter. The inflorescences are distinctive, with secund spikelets borne at the tips of the branches; one branch is always borne lower than the others like a thumb on a hand.
First collected in 1879. Although common, this species does not seem to be aggressive and never becomes dominant. The clumps of slightly succulent leaves stay green through the winter. The inflorescences are distinctive, with secund spikelets borne at the tips of the branches; one branch is always borne lower than the others like a thumb on a hand.
Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Wetland Indicator = FACU WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin invasive species including decription, habitats, control methods Invasive And Exotic Species of North America: Descriptions, management issues, warnings, photos, etc. USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Grasses of Iowa: Detailed photographs, descriptions, maps Canada Agriculture and Agri-Food
Alberta Government: "The identification of certain native and naturalized grasses by their vegetative characters", S.E. Clarke, J.A. Campbell and W. Shevkenek. 1950.
(Publication no. 762 ; Technical bulletin no. 50). Drawings, descriptions. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc.
Alberta Government: "The identification of certain native and naturalized grasses by their vegetative characters", S.E. Clarke, J.A. Campbell and W. Shevkenek. 1950.
(Publication no. 762 ; Technical bulletin no. 50). Drawings, descriptions. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc.
Christopher Noll
Christopher Noll
Kenneth J. Sytsma
Robert W. Freckmann
Emmet J. Judziewicz
Kurt Stüber
Botanical Illustration
Botanical Illustration
