Cock’s Foot

(Dactylis glomerata)

Cock’s Foot (Dactylis glomerata)

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Dactylis glomerata Native Range
Native Range
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Climate Requirements

• Precipitation 23" - 44"
• High Temp. 67°F - 79°F
• Low Temp. 24°F - 36°F

Summary

Dactylis glomerata, commonly known as Cock’s Foot or Orchard Grass, is a semi-evergreen perennial grass native to a variety of habitats including meadows, open woodlands, and grasslands across Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia. It typically forms dense tussocks reaching 20–140 centimeters tall, with grey-green leaves that can exhibit red to purple tinges when exposed to full sun. The plant is distinguished by its tufted, triangular flowerhead and a characteristic flattened stem base. The spikelets, measuring 5–9 millimeters long, usually contain two to five flowers and turn pale grey-brown upon seed maturity. Cock’s Foot blooms from June to September, with flowers that are not particularly showy but are ecologically significant for certain insects.

Cock’s Foot is valued for its high yield and sugar content, making it an excellent choice for hay and pasture. It is also used for erosion control and as a turf grass in some regions. This grass thrives in full sun but can tolerate part shade, and it prefers medium to moist soils with good drainage. While it is generally easy to maintain, it can become invasive outside its native range, spreading through both rhizomes and seed. Gardeners should be cautious of its potential to outcompete native species. It has been found to become invasive in some introduced regions (e.g., parts of the eastern United States).CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 1.4-4 feet
  • Width: 1-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Semi-deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Native to meadows, open woodlands, and grasslands across Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Cocks Foot, Orchard Grass, Cat Grass, Orchardgrass, Barnyard Grass, Cocksfoot Grass, Cockspur, Almindelig Hundegræs, Hundegræs, Wiesen-Knäuelgras

Scientific Names: Dactylis glomerata, Dactylus glomerata, Dactylis glomerata var. vivipara, Dactylis glomerata var. hirsuticaulis, Dactylis glomerata var. flavescens, Dactylis glomerata f. divergens, Dactylis glomerata var. major, Dactylis glomerata var. holcoides, Dactylis glomerata var. multiflora, Dactylis glomerata var. glomerata

GBIF Accepted Name: Dactylis glomerata L.