Dactylis glomerata (Cock's foot)

Botanical name

Dactylis glomerata

Other names

Cock's foot, Orchard grass, Cock's foot grass, Dew grass, Hard grass, Sticky grass, Cat grass, Ascherson's orchardgrass

Genus

Dactylis Dactylis

Species

D. glomerata - D. glomerata is a variable, clump-forming, evergreen perennial grass with linear, grey-green leaves and slender, erect stems bearing one-sided panicles of dense, flattened clusters of pale green flower spikelets in summer.

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Clump-forming

Toxicity

Attractive to cats. If eaten sparingly, is reported to help cats with fur ball removal.

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Colour

Flower

Pale-green in Summer

Foliage

Grey-green in All seasons

General care

Pruning

Deadhead to prevent unwanted seedlings. Considered invasive in some introduced countries. If grown for livestock or cats, cut back frequently to prevent coarse leaves.

Propagation

Chill seed prior to sowing. Ideal sowing temperature is 20-30C. May self-seed.

Propagation methods

Division, Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Dactylis glomerata (Cock's foot) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Wildlife, Wildflower, Prairie planting, Ground Cover, Drought Tolerant, Beds and borders, Banks and Slopes

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Easily tolerates clay, drought, heat, and humid climates. Often grown as a hay grass and for pastures. Suitable for use as a ground cover and cover for birds.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4