Sundown Orchardgrass

Sundown orchardgrass was bred for improved forage quality and resistance to foliar diseases (such as leaf rust and leaf spot) which can adversely affect forage quality. Maturity is similar to that of Pennlate. Sundown is highly compatible in mixes with alfalfa, timothy, and clovers. Late maturing- up to seven days later than Potomac.

Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) is one of the more useful and widely distributed pasture grasses, especially on irrigated pastures. It is suitable for non-irrigated rangelands where precipitation is 18+ inches annually. It is a cool-season perennial bunchgrass. It was introduced from Europe and Asia and is found throughout North America.

Orchardgrass used for hay, pasture or silage. It is highly palatable to all classes of livestock. It is one of the best forage grasses for use in pastures and combines well with other grasses and legumes. It has a dense network of roots and provides good erosion control. Orchardgrass is often used in seed mixes for upland game birds and conservation plantings. Orchardgrass is one of the earliest species to grow in the spring.

Dactylis glomerata performs well on different textured soils ranging from clay to gravely loams and on shallow to deep soils. It is moderately tolerant of acid and alkaline (pH range of 5.8-7.0). It does not grow well in saline soils and areas with high water tables. Dryland varieties have the ability to establish and persist in areas that receive as little as 11 inches of annual precipitation. Orchardgrass is one of the earliest species to grow in the spring, making tremendous growth during cool conditions. Under irrigation or in moist situations Orchardgrass can attain heights of 24-48 inches.

Orchardgrass cures well as hay, and can be mixed with alfalfa or other legumes to provide high quality hay. It also provides excellent pasture and has the ability to remain green and continue growing while being grazed. It recovers very quickly after being grazed or cut. It is good to excellent forage for livestock and wildlife, and is especially relished by deer. Orchardgrass responds well to nitrogen fertilizer and irrigation.

Other grass species that are frequently paired with orchardgrass include perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, annual ryegrass and intermediate ryegrass.

For more information on Sundown orchardgrass visit Grasslands Oregon.

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