Cool Season Perennial Grasses Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is a major characteristic of cool season perennial grasses compared to warm season grasses?

  • Lower nutritive value
  • More drought-tolerant
  • Longer productive season (correct)
  • Delayed establishment in spring

During which months should Kentucky Bluegrass seeds typically be planted?

  • March-May
  • January-February
  • August-September (correct)
  • April-June

Which grass is noted for better tolerance to shade but lesser persistence in the lower South?

  • Orchardgrass (correct)
  • Bermudagrass
  • Kentucky Bluegrass
  • Tall fescue

What should be done to favor productivity in Kentucky Bluegrass pastures?

<p>Grazing to a height of 1 to 2 inches (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary adaptation zone for Kentucky Bluegrass?

<p>Upper part of Zone C and Zone D (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the establishment practice for Orchardgrass?

<p>Seed should be planted in August-September at 15 to 20 lb/A (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major use of both Kentucky Bluegrass and Orchardgrass?

<p>Pasture and hay (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which pests can significantly impact the production of Kentucky Bluegrass?

<p>Grubs and bluegrass billbug (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended height for cutting or grazing to ensure optimal growth?

<p>4 inches (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common pest affecting Reed Canarygrass?

<p>Armyworms (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the optimal seeding rate for establishing Reed Canarygrass?

<p>5 to 8 lb/A (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ryegrass is primarily grown in the southeast USA?

<p>Westerwold annual ryegrass (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What feature distinguishes annual ryegrass seeds from perennial ryegrass seeds?

<p>Annual ryegrass seeds are about 25% larger. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following soil conditions can Reed Canarygrass tolerate?

<p>Flooded and poorly drained soils (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes annual ryegrass plants from perennial ryegrass plants?

<p>Annual ryegrass has long, clasping auricles. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main production period for annual ryegrass in high rainfall areas?

<p>November to May (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which grass is noted for being more tolerant of soil acidity than its counterparts?

<p>Rye (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should perennial ryegrass be seeded for optimal establishment?

<p>In spring or late summer at 5 to 8 lb/A (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major drawback is associated with common Reed Canarygrass?

<p>It contains alkaloids that reduce palatability. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following grasses is primarily identified as a perennial bunchgrass with bulb-like corms?

<p>Timothy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended seeding rate for smooth bromegrass when planted alone?

<p>20 to 25 lb/A (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of grazing management is best for perennial ryegrass?

<p>Rotational stocking (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which variety of ryegrass is known to potentially cause staggers syndrome in livestock?

<p>Perennial ryegrass with toxic endophyte (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which months is seasonal production of oats most prevalent?

<p>September to December (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major use for triticale?

<p>Pasture (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition affects annual ryegrass more compared to other grasses?

<p>High moisture requirement (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of planting Italian ryegrass in the spring?

<p>It will require winter to flower the next year. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary adaptation zone for tall fescue?

<p>Zones C and D (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an effective management practice to promote smooth bromegrass growth?

<p>Moderate rotational stocking (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of annual ryegrass contributes to its rapid establishment?

<p>Natural reseeding (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the best stage to harvest tall fescue for high nutritive value?

<p>In the late boot stage (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following small grains is known to require the highest levels of fertility?

<p>Oats (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What pest is notably harmful to small grains such as rye and oats?

<p>Armyworms (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of soil does smooth bromegrass thrive best in?

<p>Clay or loam soils (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What management strategy should be employed to avoid weakening stands of tall fescue?

<p>Allow annual rest periods (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary adaptation zone for Orchardgrass?

<p>Upper part of Zone B and Zones C and D (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following grasses has a high nutritive value under good management and is more shade-tolerant?

<p>Orchardgrass (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended seeding rate for Kentucky Bluegrass when planting?

<p>10 to 15 lb/A (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which pest is particularly harmful to Kentucky Bluegrass production?

<p>Greenbug aphid (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What management practice is crucial for maintaining productivity in Kentucky Bluegrass?

<p>Grazing to a height of 1 to 2 inches (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant disadvantage of growing Orchardgrass in the lower South?

<p>Limited persistence beyond two to four years (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the seasonal production pattern of Orchardgrass?

<p>Best production is from March to June or July. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Kentucky Bluegrass contributes to its dense sod formation?

<p>Production of rhizomes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the auricles of annual ryegrass from those of perennial ryegrass?

<p>Annual ryegrass has long, clasping auricles. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which soil condition does rye tolerate better than wheat and oats?

<p>Soil acidity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which months is the seasonal production of smooth bromegrass primarily observed?

<p>April to October (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What management strategy is recommended to maintain tall fescue growth?

<p>Rotational stocking (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the best timing for harvesting tall fescue to achieve high nutritive value?

<p>Late boot stage (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which grass has a seasonal production period of November to April?

<p>Annual ryegrass (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of growing oats in areas outside their primary adaptation zones?

<p>Winterkill risk (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which pest is known to significantly impact the production of rye and oats?

<p>Armyworms (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is associated with tall fescue regarding soil tolerance?

<p>Tolerant to low fertility (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary use of triticale?

<p>Silage (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should the establishment of rye typically be managed in terms of seeding rate?

<p>90 to 120 lb/A alone (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following features best describes the seed head of smooth bromegrass?

<p>Erect panicle (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Timothy grass’s growth conditions is notably sensitive?

<p>Wet, humid conditions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the optimal forage harvesting stage for the first cut of tall fescue?

<p>Boot to early bloom stage (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pests commonly affects ryegrass?

<p>Armyworms (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the growth conditions for Reed Canarygrass?

<p>Extremely tolerant of flooding and poorly drained soils (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does annual ryegrass primarily propagate in the southeastern USA?

<p>Natural reseeding (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which element is key for the fertilization of perennial ryegrass?

<p>Nitrogen (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguishes perennial ryegrass from annual ryegrass?

<p>Lifespan of several years (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary adaptation zone for perennial ryegrass?

<p>Zone C and Zone D (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What adverse condition can occur with common Reed Canarygrass due to alkaloids?

<p>Decreased palatability for livestock (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical seeding rate for establishing annual ryegrass if planted alone?

<p>20 to 30 lb/A (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which variety of ryegrass is known to have a high moisture requirement?

<p>Annual ryegrass (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which months does seasonal production of Reed Canarygrass peak?

<p>April to September (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common management practice used for both annual and perennial ryegrass?

<p>Rotational stocking (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical height range for Reed Canarygrass?

<p>2 to 6 feet (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of environment is preferred for perennial ryegrass planting?

<p>Well drained soils with good moisture (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary benefit of growing cool season annual grasses in Zones A and B?

<p>They provide high nutritional value during warm season dormancy. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which grass requires a higher fertility than tall fescue and responds well to nitrogen?

<p>Orchardgrass (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal method for managing Kentucky Bluegrass to enhance its productivity?

<p>Grazing to a height of 1 to 2 inches (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of Orchardgrass when grown in the lower South?

<p>It generally does not persist more than two to four years. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the seasonal production pattern of Kentucky Bluegrass?

<p>It is most productive from April to October. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In terms of management, which practice is particularly detrimental to Orchardgrass?

<p>Frequent close-cutting (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pest issues is commonly associated with Kentucky Bluegrass?

<p>Bluegrass billbug (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended planting rate for Kentucky Bluegrass seeds?

<p>10 to 15 lb/A (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary adaptation zone for Reed Canarygrass?

<p>Upper Zone C and Zone D (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of low-alkaloid varieties of Reed Canarygrass?

<p>More palatable to livestock (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended seeding rate for annual ryegrass when planted alone?

<p>20 to 30 lb/A (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is a major concern for nematodes in relation to soil types?

<p>Sandy soils (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the suggested management practice for establishing perennial ryegrass?

<p>Rotational stocking (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which months is seeding of ryegrass most effectively conducted in southern regions of the USA?

<p>September to early October (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature differentiates annual ryegrass from perennial ryegrass regarding seed size?

<p>Annual ryegrass seeds are approximately 25% larger (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct harvesting stage for tall fescue to ensure maximum nutritive value?

<p>Boot to early bloom stage (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What management strategy should be employed to prevent weakened stands of tall fescue?

<p>Implementing rotational grazing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which pests are known to significantly affect ryegrass growth?

<p>Armyworms (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main seasonal production period for perennial ryegrass?

<p>Spring and early summer (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What feature characterizes the leaves of annual ryegrass?

<p>Dark and shiny with smooth edges (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ryegrass should be planted in the Gulf Coast area for optimal results?

<p>Annual Ryegrass (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect can toxic endophytes have on livestock when consuming perennial ryegrass?

<p>Cause staggers syndrome (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which grass is described as having deep roots and a compressed panicle seed head?

<p>Tall Fescue (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What time period is the primary adaptation zone for rye and wheat?

<p>November to April (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a pest that significantly affects rye and oats?

<p>Armyworms (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended seeding rate for establishing smooth bromegrass?

<p>15 to 20 lb/A (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which small grain is noted for being more tolerant of soil acidity compared to others?

<p>Rye (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What management practice is ideal to avoid weakening stands of smooth bromegrass?

<p>Moderate rotational stocking (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these plants is commonly grown together with smooth bromegrass to improve nitrogen levels?

<p>Alfalfa (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major use of rye?

<p>Pasture establishment (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary adaptation zone for smooth bromegrass?

<p>Upper part of Zone C and Zone D (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which season is tall fescue usually harvested for high nutritive value?

<p>Boot to early heading stage (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is significant for the seasonal production of oats?

<p>More cold sensitivity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of cutting tall fescue too late?

<p>Reduced nutritive value (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What feature of Timothy grass distinguishes it from others in the same category?

<p>Bluish-green color (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal seeding rate for oats when planted alone?

<p>90 to 120 lb/A (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Cool-season perennial grasses

Grasses that thrive in cooler climates and are used for pasture and hay, like Kentucky bluegrass.

Kentucky Bluegrass

A cool-season perennial grass, good for pasture, found in Zones C and D, tolerates heavy grazing.

Orchardgrass

A cool-season perennial grass used for pasture and hay, needs good management to remain productive.

Cool season annual grasses

Grasses grown in zones A and B which provide nutritious grazing during warm season grass dormancy.

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Kentucky Bluegrass establishment

Plant seeds at 10-15 lb/A in August-September or February-March.

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Orchardgrass establishment

Plant seeds in August-September at 15-20 lb/A in upper parts of Zone C and D, early spring sometimes.

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Grazing Kentucky Bluegrass

Graze to a height of 1-2 inches for maximum productivity and dense sod.

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Orchardgrass Management

Avoid continuous close grazing to prevent weakening. Better management is needed than tall fescue.

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Annual Ryegrass Auricles

Long, clasping appendages at the base of the leaf blade in annual ryegrass.

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Perennial Ryegrass Auricles

Short, non-clasping leaf attachments in perennial ryegrass.

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Small Grains

A group of annual grasses, including rye, oats, wheat, and barley.

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Rye - Primary Adaptation

Rye thrives in Zones A, B, C, and D; more tolerant of acidic soils.

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Wheat - Primary Adaptation

Wheat is more suitable for heavy, wet soils in Zones A, B, C, and D.

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Oats - Primary Adaptation

Oats prefers Zones A and some B areas but is more cold sensitive compared to other small grains.

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Small Grains Establishment

Planting typically occurs in September or October, with 60-90 lbs/acre in mixtures, or 90-120 lbs/acre for standalone plantings.

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Small Grains Fertilization

Small grains require substantial nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

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Smooth Bromegrass Adaptation

Adapted to the upper parts of Zone C and Zone D.

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Smooth Bromegrass Establishment

Plant seeding rate is 15-20 lbs/acre in August-September or February-April.

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Tall Fescue Adaptation

Best grows in Zones B, C, and D, clay or loam soils.

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Tall Fescue Establishment

Planting methods include drilling (15-20 lbs/acre) or broadcasting (20-25 lbs/acre) during August-September or early spring.

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Timothy Adaptation

Prefers cool, humid conditions in upper part of Zone C and Zone D.

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Timothy Hay Harvest Stage

Hay harvested in the boot to early bloom stage for optimal nutrition.

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Reed Canarygrass description

Reed Canarygrass has wide leaves with rough edges and sharp points, a panicle seed head, and is a coarse, sod-forming perennial.

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Reed Canarygrass adaptations

Reed Canarygrass is tolerant of flooding, poor drainage, and drought, and grows in Zones C and D.

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Reed Canarygrass uses

Reed Canarygrass is commonly used for pasture, hay, and silage.

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Reed Canarygrass establishment

Reed Canarygrass seedlings establish slowly; sow 5-8 lbs/acre during April-May in Zone D or August-September in Zone C for good stands.

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Reed Canarygrass fertilization

Reed Canarygrass is highly responsive to nitrogen.

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Annual Ryegrass description

Annual Ryegrass is a dark, shiny, smooth-edged annual bunchgrass with a spike seed head.

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Annual Ryegrass adaptations

Annual Ryegrass tolerates wet, poorly drained soil but is less winter-hardy than fescue or orchardgrass.

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Annual Ryegrass uses

Annual Ryegrass is primarily a pasture crop, sometimes used for hay or silage.

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Annual Ryegrass establishment

Plant 10-15 lb/acre in mixtures or 20-30 lb/acre alone in September or early October (or November overseeding in the Gulf Coast).

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Annual Ryegrass fertilization

Annual Ryegrass responds well to nitrogen fertilization.

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Perennial Ryegrass description

Perennial Ryegrass is a perennial bunchgrass with shiny, smooth-edged leaves and no awns on the seed head.

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Perennial Ryegrass adaptations

Perennial ryegrass prefers well-drained soils with good moisture and is less tolerant of drought and heat than fescue or orchardgrass.

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Perennial Ryegrass uses

Perennial Ryegrass is used for pasture, hay, and silage.

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Perennial Ryegrass establishment

Plant 5-8 lb/acre in mixtures or 14-18 lb/acre alone in spring or late summer.

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Annual vs. Perennial Ryegrass

Annual Ryegrass is a one-year plant, while Perennial Ryegrass lives for several years.

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Cool-season grasses

Grasses that grow best in cooler temperatures and have a long productive season, typically used for pasture and hay.

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Kentucky Bluegrass - Ideal Climate

Kentucky Bluegrass thrives in the upper part of Zone C and Zone D, with cool temperatures and adequate moisture.

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Orchardgrass - Important Management

Orchardgrass needs good management to thrive, especially close grazing, which weakens stands and inhibits regrowth.

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Kentucky Bluegrass - Fertilizer

Kentucky Bluegrass produces well when well fertilized or grown with a legume.

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Orchardgrass - Shade Tolerance

Orchardgrass is more shade tolerant than most other grasses, making it suitable for areas with some tree cover.

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Annual Ryegrass vs. Perennial Ryegrass

Annual Ryegrass is a short-lived grass, lasting only one year, while Perennial Ryegrass can live for multiple years.

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Small Grains - Key Nutrients

Small grains are heavy feeders, requiring abundant nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for optimal growth.

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Rye vs. Wheat: Soil Tolerance

Rye is more tolerant of acidic soil compared to wheat or oats. Wheat is more tolerant of heavy, wet soils compared to rye or oats.

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Small Grains: What are they?

Small grains are a group of cool-season annual grasses, including rye, oats, wheat, and barley.

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Small Grains: Best Adaptation

Rye and wheat thrive in Zones A, B, C, and D. Oats prefers Zones A and some B areas and is more cold-sensitive.

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Smooth Bromegrass: Where does it grow?

Smooth bromegrass is best adapted to the upper part of Zone C and Zone D.

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Smooth Bromegrass: How to plant?

Plant smooth bromegrass at 15 to 20 lb/A in August-September or February-April.

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Tall Fescue: Best Growth Zone

Tall fescue grows best in Zones B, C, and D.

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Tall Fescue: How to plant?

Plant tall fescue at 15 to 20 lb/A by drilling or 20 to 25 lb/A by broadcasting in late summer or early fall.

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Timothy: Best Conditions

Timothy thrives in cool, humid conditions found in the upper part of Zone C and Zone D.

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Timothy: When to harvest hay?

Harvest timothy hay in the boot to early bloom stage for the best nutritional value.

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Smooth Bromegrass: Ideal Soil

Smooth bromegrass grows best in well-drained silt-loam or clay-loam soils.

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Tall Fescue: Tolerances

Tall fescue is tolerant of low fertility, acid soils, and poor drainage.

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Tall Fescue & Endophyte

Wild endophyte in tall fescue can harm livestock. Only plant novel endophyte or endophyte-free seed for healthy animals.

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Ryegrass - Winter Hardiness

Annual ryegrass is less winter-hardy than tall fescue or orchardgrass, so it thrives in milder climates.

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Ryegrass - Toxicity

Some types of ryegrass, especially perennial varieties, can contain toxins that harm animals. Choose varieties with safe endophytes.

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Ryegrass - Ideal Location

Annual ryegrass is commonly grown in the southeast where it thrives in the warm weather and is used for winter grazing.

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Ryegrass - Growth Stages

Annual ryegrass is usually planted in the fall, grows throughout the winter, and then heads and dies in the spring.

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Ryegrass - Variety Types

Both annual and perennial ryegrass come in two types: diploid and tetraploid. Tetraploid varieties tend to be taller and wider.

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Ryegrass vs. Other Grasses

Annual ryegrass is a popular choice for grazing during cool-season dormancy of warm-season grasses, offering a valuable nutritional source.

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Kentucky Bluegrass Management

Tolerates close and frequent grazing. For best results, graze to a height of 1 to 2 inches.

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Rye: Soil Tolerance

Rye is more tolerant of acidic soils than wheat or oats.

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Wheat: Soil Tolerance

Wheat is more tolerant of heavy, wet soils than rye or oats.

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Oats: Soil Tolerance

Oats is more sensitive to cold than other small grains.

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Small Grains: Planting Time

Small grains are typically planted in September or October.

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Tall Fescue: Soil Tolerance

Tall fescue tolerates low fertility, acidic soils, and poor drainage.

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Annual Ryegrass: Winter hardiness

Annual ryegrass is less winter-hardy than tall fescue or orchardgrass.

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Ryegrass - Importance

Provides nutritious forage during the cool-season dormancy of warm-season grasses, offering a valuable nutritional supplement.

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Study Notes

Cool Season Perennial Grasses

  • Cool season perennial grasses are dominant pasture and hay species in regions north of Zone A.
  • They generally have higher nutritive value and a longer growing season than warm season perennials.
  • Cool season annual grasses are common in Zones A and B, providing nutrition when warm season grasses are dormant.

Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis)

  • Origin: Europe
  • Description: Perennial, narrow leaves with boat-shaped tips, open pyramid-shaped seed head, dense sod from rhizomes, 1-3ft tall
  • Primary Adaptation: Upper parts of Zones C and D, intolerant of drought and high temperatures.
  • Major Uses: Pasture, limited hay; high nutritive value.
  • Establishment: Seed planted at 10-15 lb/A in August-September or February-March.
  • Fertilization: Needs fertilization (or legume growth) to be highly productive.
  • Seasonal Production: April-October, limited in July & August.
  • Management: Tolerates close, frequent grazing, optimal productivity when grazed to 1-2 inches. Improved productivity with clover.
  • Pests: Grubs, billbug, sod webworms, chinch bugs, frit fly, greenbug aphid.

Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata)

  • Origin: Europe
  • Description: Perennial bunchgrass, flattened leaf sheath, tall ligule, blue-green blades (v-shaped cross-section), open panicle, 2-3 ft tall
  • Primary Adaptation: Upper parts of Zones B, C, and D, less tolerant of drought and poor drainage than tall fescue; more shade tolerant
  • Major Uses: Pasture, hay; high nutritive value under good management.
  • Establishment: August-September seeding (15-20 lb/A). Upper zone C & D: early spring plantings possible.
  • Fertilization: Requires higher fertility than tall fescue, responsive to nitrogen.
  • Seasonal Production: March-June/July
  • Management: Requires better management than endophyte-infected tall fescue; avoid close, continuous grazing, cutting at >4 inches, and competition is mitigated by growing with legumes. First harvest in boot-early bloom stage.
  • Pests: Armyworms, rust & leafspot diseases, nematodes (sandy soils)

Reed Canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea)

  • Origin: Europe
  • Description: Perennial, wide leaves with rough edges, panicle seed head; coarse, sod-forming (short rhizomes), 2-6ft tall
  • Primary Adaptation: Upper parts of Zone C and D, extremely tolerant of flooding and poor drainage, also tolerant of drought, pH 5-8
  • Major Uses: Pasture, hay, silage (common varieties less palatable)
  • Establishment: Slow establishment, 5-8 lb/A, April-May (Zone D) or August-September (Zone C )
  • Fertilization: Highly responsive to nitrogen.
  • Management: Rotational stocking.
  • Pests: Tawny blotch, Helminthosporium leafspot, frit fly.

Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum)

  • Origin: Europe
  • Description: Annual bunchgrass, dark/shiny leaves with smooth edges, soft, clasping auricles, spike seed head; 2-3 feet tall
  • Primary Adaptation: Zones A, B, and parts of C, tolerant of wet, poorly drained soils, less winter hardy than tall fescue/orchardgrass, high moisture requirement.
  • Major Uses: Primarily pasture, sometimes hay/silage, high nutritive value.
  • Establishment: 10-15 lb/A in mixtures, 20-30 lb/A alone; September/early October, or November overseeding of warm-season grasses
  • Fertilization: Responsive to nitrogen, tolerant of moderate soil acidity.
  • Seasonal Production: High production in high rainfall areas (Gulf Coast) throughout winter (November-May). North: late February/March-May
  • Management: Planted alone in Gulf Coast; elsewhere, seeded with small grains (rye, wheat, oats) and/or clover. Tolerates close continuous grazing.
  • Pests: Armyworms, rust specific to varieties in Gulf Coast area.

Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne)

  • Origin: Europe
  • Description: Perennial bunchgrass, shiny, smooth leaves, short non-clasping auricles, no awns on spike seed head larger seeds than annual ryegrass, 2-3 ft tall
  • Primary Adaptation: Upper Zone C and D; well-drained soils with good moisture, less tolerant of drought and heat than tall fescue/orchardgrass
  • Major Uses: Pasture, hay, silage; high nutritive value, toxic endophyte can cause "staggering" in some animals.
  • Establishment: 5-8 lb/A in mixtures, 14-18 lb/A alone; spring or late summer
  • Fertilization: Highly responsive to nitrogen, tolerant of moderate soil acidity.
  • Seasonal Production: Main production in spring/early summer, less autumn production than tall fescue
  • Management: Rotational stocking best; tolerant of close grazing; does not stockpile well.
  • Pests: Usually not a problem

Small Grains

  • Rye (Secale cereale), Oats (Avena sativa), Wheat (Triticum aestivum), Barley (Hordeum vulgare), Triticale (Triticum secale):
  • Origin: Iraq, Turkey, Europe.
  • Description: Annual bunchgrasses, 2-4 ft tall, seed heads are spikes (except oats, panicle)
  • Primary Adaptation: Rye/Wheat - Zones A, B, C, D; Oats - Zone A and some varieties in Zone B. Rye more tolerant of soil acidity, wheat more tolerant of wet soils, Oats more cold-sensitive
  • Major Uses: Rye-pasture; barley, wheat, oats- pasture, hay, silage; triticale - hay, silage. High nutritive value
  • Establishment: September/October planting. In mixtures 60-90 lb/A, alone 90-120 lb/A
  • Fertilization: Highly responsive to N, adequate P & K.
  • Seasonal Production: Zone A - Nov-Apr; Zone B - Nov-Dec and Feb-Apr; Zones C& D - Mar-Jun
  • Pests: Rusts, powdery mildew, viruses, Hessian fly, Armyworms
  • Management: Stocking to utilize forage, companion planting (arrowleaf clover) for extended spring production, hay harvesting in boot to early heading.

Smooth Bromegrass (Bromus inermis)

  • Origin: Russia.
  • Description: Perennial cool-season grass, narrow smooth blades (W/M shape), leafy, erect panicle seed head, deep-rooted, sod forming, 2-3 ft tall.
  • Primary Adaptation: Upper part of Zone C/D.
  • Major Uses: Pasture, hay, silage. Often grown with alfalfa.
  • Establishment: 15-20 lb/A, Aug-Sept or Feb-Apr
  • Fertilization: Requires higher fertility than tall fescue; responsive to N, pH 6-7
  • Seasonal Production: April-October (reduced July-August)
  • Management: Avoid close continuous stocking, moderate rotation best; boot-early bloom first harvest.
  • Pests: Armyworms, grasshoppers, foliar diseases (humid areas).

Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea)

  • Origin: Europe.
  • Description: Perennial, long-lived bunchgrass, short rhizomes; slightly shiny, dark green leaves (prominent veins/rough edges), compressed panicle seed head, deep-rooted, 2-4 ft tall
  • Primary Adaptation: Zones B, C, and D; Clay/loam soils, tolerant of soil acidity and poor drainage, relatively drought tolerant
  • Major Uses: Pasture, hay, erosion control, high nutritive value if free from endophyte
  • Establishment: Drilled 15-20 lb/A or broadcast 20-25 lb/A in Aug-Sept/Oct, early spring in Zones C & D
  • Fertilization: Tolerant of low fertility and acid soils, responds to fertilization.
  • Seasonal Production: September-December, March-June/July
  • Management: Endophyte-infected tolerate grazing abuse; endophyte-free/novel varieties 3-4 inch grazing height, avoid overgrazing summer. Grown with legumes (white, red clover, alfalfa); first cut late boot stage. Stockpiling feasible.
  • Pests: Wild strains of Neotyphodium coenophialum endophyte; nematodes (sandy soils)

Timothy (Phleum pratense)

  • Origin: Northern Europe.
  • Description: Perennial bunchgrass; bluish-green, narrow, sharp-pointed blades, large ligule, dense cylindrical spike seed head, bulb-like corms, 2-4 ft tall
  • Primary Adaptation: Upper part of Zone C/D. Cool, humid climates (weakened/lost in warmer zones)
  • Major Use: Primarily hay, also pasture; popular for horses
  • Establishment: 6-8 lb/A, Aug-Sept or early spring
  • Fertilization: Requires higher fertility than orchardgrass, responsive to fertilization
  • Seasonal Production: April-October, low in August-October
  • Management: Harvest at boot-early bloom for best nutritive value; Avoid past harvests
  • Pests: No serious problems under suitable conditions

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Explore the characteristics and management of cool season perennial grasses, focusing on Kentucky Bluegrass. This quiz covers their growth patterns, uses, and optimal conditions for cultivation. Test your knowledge on their adaptations and nutritional benefits.

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