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Dactylis glomerata (Cock's foot)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
1m
Max height
Max height
0.5m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
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.
Dactylis glomerata is: Evergreen
Habit
Clump-forming
Toxicity
Attractive to cats. If eaten sparingly, is reported to help cats with fur ball removal.
Flower
Pale-green in Summer
Foliage
Grey-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
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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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)
Companion plants
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
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
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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