An introduced perennial bunchgrass often forming large clumps (B). Erect flowering stems 2-4 feet tall bear compact to open panicles with only a few major branches, the longest ones at the bottom (C). These branches have dense, rounded-to-oval clusters of spikelets near their ends, the spikelets oriented predominantly along one side of the axis (A,D). Arching leaves are 4-18 inches long and less than 1/2 inch wide.
Disturbed areas in many habitats including fencerows, roadsides, pastures, woodlands or prairies. In Fontenelle Forest, Orchard Grass is common on Marsh Trail and Gifford Memorial Boardwalk. At Neale Woods it is uncommon on Nebraska Trail at the edge of the prairie and at the Jonas Trail entrance to Knull Prairie opposite the hawk enclosure. Flowering occurs mainly in May and June, occasionally as late as October.
No other tall cool season grass at Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods has all spikelets on one side of the branch.
Orchard Grass was introduced from Europe in the 1700 s for hay and forage.
It is now naturalized where winters are not too severe and rainfall is adequate.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Neal Ratzlaff.