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Dactylis Facts

Dactylis Facts
Dactylis, also known as orchardgrass, is herbaceous plant that belongs to the grass family. It originates from western and central parts of Europe, but it has been naturalized to many areas with temperate climate (mostly in the northern hemisphere). Dactylis can be found in savannas, on the pastures, meadows, areas near the roads, edges of the forests and various types of grasslands. It can withstand high temperatures and periods of drought during the summer, as well as cold winters with snow. Dactylis thrives the best on loamy, clayey or gravely, well-drained soil, in the partial shade. It does not tolerate soil soaked with water and it cannot survive in the seasonally flooded areas. Dactylis has the potential to occupy new areas, but it rarely disturbs balance in the newly conquered habitats (it is classified as invasive only in few countries). People cultivate dactylis as a source of animal food.
Interesting Dactylis Facts:
Dactylis has erect stem that can reach 1 to 4 feet in height.
Dactylis has strong, fibrous (non-rhizomatous) root system.
Dactylis produces green to bluish green leaves with rough margins. Leaves have pointed tips and V-shaped base. Prominent central ridge can be seen on the bottom side of each leaf.
Dactylis produces small, green or reddish-colored flowers that are born on top of the stem. Flowers are arranged in one-sided, triangular, multi-branched clusters (panicles) that are characterized by stiff branches. Seed heads are made of compressed leafy shoots and spikelets (secondary spikes, composed of 2 to 8 florets). Seed heads are 2 to 8 inches long.
Dactylis blooms from June to September. Flowers are designed for the pollination by wind.
Mature seed heads are grey-brown colored. Dactylis produces large number of elongated seed.
Dactylis propagates via seed.
Name "dactylis" refers to the inflorescence made of stiff branches that look like fingers ("dactylos" means "finger" in Greek).
Dactylis is also known as "cocksfoot" in Europe and Australia, due to shape of its seed heads which resemble the shape of cock's foot.
Dactylis is cultivated as a source of food for cattle. It can be used as hay, silage and green chop.
Dactylis has high nutritional value. It is rich source of sugar, fibers and proteins. Dactylis can provide equal amount of nutrients as alfalfa, trefoil and many types of clover.
Elk and deer like to graze dactylis when it is young and green. Seed represents important source of food for the wild birds. Many butterfly species lay eggs on dactylis, which serves as basic source of food for the caterpillars.
Dactylis can be used in the control of erosion thanks to its extensive root system.
Dactylis produces light-weight pollen that can trigger hay fever in sensitive individuals.
Dactylis is perennial plant (life span: more than 2 years).


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