Orchardgrass - Dactylis glomerata L.

Orchardgrass, named so because it is the most shade tolerant forage grass, is a medium to long-lived perennial bunchgrass.  It is an excellent grass for hay and silage production with palatable and highly digestible leaves.  It is also a preferred pasture grass for the same reason plus re-growth is rapid after grazing.  Orchardgrass is grown extensively for forage in the south coastal areas of BC but only winter hardy varieties like KAY can be grown in the central and interior areas of the province.  Orchardgrass can only withstand short periods of drought so adaptation is limited to areas of sufficient moisture or under irrigation.  Orchardgrass is often used, where adapted, as a component in mixtures for reclamation because of its persistence and deep fibrous root system.