General Description

Meadow fescue is a perennial bunch grass suited to higher precipitation areas, but lacks longevity due to poorer winter hardiness and susceptibility to heavy grazing. It is very closely related to tall fescue, and can be hard to distinguish. Generally, meadow fescue is less persistent, shorter, and finer leaved. It has the ability to cross with perennial and annual ryegrass.

Meadow fescue has bright green leaves with narrow, long (up to 50 cm (20 in) blades and sharp-pointed tips. Meadow fescue is a bunchgrass with short rhizomes that give it a weakly creeping habit. The sheath is split with the margins overlapping at the bottom. The blade is 3-8 mm wide and 10-50 cm (4-20 in) long, the upper side is dull and the lower side shiny. The edges are rough, and the tip is sharp-pointed. The collar is broad and continuous. The auricles are 0.5-1.5 mm long and usually blunt but sometimes claw-like. The ligule is a very short membrane. The stems are round and 60-125 cm (24-50 in) tall. The inflorescence is a slender panicle. Its most distinguishing features are rough leaf edges, short ligules and claw-like auricles. Meadow fescue is a non-jointing grass.

Type

Tame grass.

Origin

Europe.

Longevity

At least 3 years.

Use

Pasture, hay, silage, stockpiled. Meadow fescue is best used as pasture as growth is mainly basal.

Optimal Time of Use

Spring, summer, fall, winter. Meadow fescue has been replaced mainly by new tall fescue varieties that have equal adaptability and more production and longevity. Hay by heading. Meadow fescue is best rotationally grazed but can be continually with care.

Recovery After Use

If hayed, meadow fescue can be grazed or stockpiled thereafter. Leave at least 10 cm (4 in) for regrowth to occur. Good for summer grazing or stockpil¬ing for fall and early winter grazing as it maintains quality well after fall frosts. 

Palatability/Nutritional Value

Meadow fescue has an average total digestible nutrient (TDN) level of 61% and crude protein level of 12.5% in the vegetative state. Meadow fescue has fair palatability. Meadow fescue remains green into the fall.

Drought Tolerance

Moderate tolerance. It is less drought tolerant than tall fescue.

Flooding Tolerance

Withstands 2-5 weeks of spring flooding. It withstands wet soils season long.

Winter Hardiness

Fair hardiness. Meadow fescue longevity is limited by winter hardiness.

Soil Texture Preference

Meadow fescue grows best on deep, fertile soils but will tolerate variable drainage and low fertility. It has a shallower root system, is shorter lived and is not as tolerant of poor conditions as tall fescue.

Erosion Control

Moderate erosion control. Can be used as an initial species in waterways or channels to prevent erosion as it does not impede water movement.

Salinity Tolerance

Moderate tolerance.

Acidity Tolerance

Moderate tolerance.

Alkalinity Tolerance

Low tolerance.

Seeds per kg

507,000 seeds/kg (230,000 seeds/lb).

Suggested Mixtures

Meadow fescue is compatible in mixes. Species include clover, alfalfa birdsfoot trefoil, timothy and bromegrasses. 

Ease of Establishment

Meadow fescue seedlings can establish well in the first season when competition is managed. It is noted to winterkill easily during the establishment year. Seed a pure stand at a rate of 20–25 kg/ha (18–22 lb/acre) and a depth of 1 cm (3/8 in). In a mixed stand, reduce the seeding rate.

Competitiveness

Meadow fescue has moderate competitive ability. Overall, its longevity is limited with cold winter conditions.

Management Considerations

Allow for adequate rest following defoliation. Cold hardiness is its major limitation. May serve well as a short rotation, good producing grass species for late season grazing.

General Description

Red clover is an introduced, commonly grown, shorter-lived perennial legume. Red clover needs adequate moisture in the growing season and moderate summer temperatures. It can thrive in cooler temperatures and more acidic soils than alfalfa. Single cut types, also called mammoth or late-flowering red clover, are generally hardier and most commonly grown. Double cut varieties produce multiple cuts as the name implies but lack persistence in adapted soil zones.

Each red clover crown produces many branched, hairy stems, which grow to 75 cm (30 in) in length. Leaves are made up of three hairy leaflets attached at one point and often have white “V-shaped” watermarks. Red clover produces globe-shaped, purple, cross-pollinated flowers. Once it flowers it stops growing (determinant growth) like alfalfa.

Type

Tame legume.

Origin

Europe and Turkey. Varieties such as Altaswede developed in Canada.

Longevity

Less than 5 years in the Black soil zone; however, at least 10 years is now common in rotationally grazed pastures in the Grey soil zone. Red clover crowns and roots that are close to the surface, easily damaged, and break down naturally which limits longevity.

Use

Pasture, hay, stockpiled, reclamation. Red clover can cause bloat, however, the risk of bloat is lower than for alfalfa. It is used for soil improvement in site rehabilitation in a variety of contexts.

Optimal Time of Use

Summer, fall. Delay grazing until a full canopy of leaves has developed. Delaying grazing until full bloom can prevented bloat and increased the stand persistence. Hay single cut red clover varieties at 25%+ bloom with regrowth used in fall.

Recovery After Use

Recovery after use may be varied depending on the site, moisture availability and management. Some sources indicate red clover recovers well after mid-season cutting and can be left for fall grazing. Still others advise against its use for grazing because of its inability to resist traffic from grazing animals. It is recommended to leave at least 10 cm (4 in) to allow for regrowth as recovery may depend on where the growing tip is in relation to cutting or defoliation from grazing.

Palatability/Nutritional Value

Red clover is highly palatable and may be grazed preferentially. When red clover is cut or utilized at 25% bloom, crude protein can be 19% and dry matter 65% to 70%. Weight gains on red clover are similar to gains on alfalfa.

Annual Precipitation min/max (mm)

400mm / 1600mm

Drought Tolerance

Low tolerance. Red clover is more drought tolerant than alsike clover but less than alfalfa.

Flooding Tolerance

Withstands 1 to 2 weeks of excess moisture, early in growing season; but intolerant of flooding during its actively growing period. Requires adequate moisture all season long.

Winter Hardiness

Good hardiness in single cut varieties. Fair tolerance in double cut varieties.

Soil Texture Preference

Most suited to heavier wet, fertile soils. Will grow on sandy textured soils as long as moisture is sufficient.

Erosion Control

Little ability to control erosion. Red clover has value for soil improvement in erosion control seeding and may be included in a mix.

Salinity Tolerance

Not tolerant.

Acidity Tolerance

High tolerance. Red clover can tolerate pH levels as low as 5.0 but yield is reduced significantly. Prefers pH of 6.0 to 7.0.

Alkalinity Tolerance

Moderate tolerance.

Seeds per kg

600,000 seeds/kg (272,000 seeds/lb)

Suggested Mixtures

Often grown in a mix with meadow bromegrass, timothy, smooth bromegrass, tall fescue or hybird bromegrass. Including grass in hay mixes assists with dry-down of windrows. In the Peace River Region red clover is often grown in the place of alfalfa in mixes because of its better acidity tolerance.

Ease of Establishment

Red clover is very easy to establish with moist conditions and moderate temperatures. Seedlings tend to be vigorous and shade tolerant. Use red clover the year after establishment. Red clover is successfully sod seeded.

Competitiveness

Red clover is competitive and can grow dominantly in a pasture situation for the first few years but can then decrease depending on grazing strategy. Persistence is dependent on how well the plant’s crown is maintained. Red clover is not invasive.

Management Considerations

Red clover is high in moisture and hay stands benefit from having a grass species in the mix to assist with drying-down. Short duration rotational gazing is beneficial for red clover longevity as grazing of newly emerging regrowth could be avoided. New growth is required to sustain the plant. Seed should be inoculated with Rhizobium trifolii for better nodulation and nitrogen fixing.

General Description

Red clover is an introduced, commonly grown, shorter-lived perennial legume. Red clover needs adequate moisture in the growing season and moderate summer temperatures. It can thrive in cooler temperatures and more acidic soils than alfalfa. Single cut types, also called mammoth or late-flowering red clover, are generally hardier and most commonly grown.  Double cut varieties produce multiple cuts as the name implies but lack persistence in adapted soil zones.

Each red clover crown produces many branched, hairy stems, which grow to 75 cm (30 in) in length. Leaves are made up of three hairy leaflets attached at one point and often have white “V-shaped” watermarks. Red clover produces globe-shaped, purple, cross-pollinated flowers. Once it flowers it stops growing (determinant growth) like alfalfa.

Type

Tame legume.

Origin

Europe and Turkey. Varieties such as Altaswede developed in Canada.

Longevity

Less than 5 years in the Black soil zone; however, at least 10 years is now common in rotationally grazed pastures in the Grey soil zone. Red clover crowns and roots that are close to the surface, easily damaged, and break down naturally which limits longevity.

Use

Pasture, hay, stockpiled, reclamation. Red clover can cause bloat, however, the risk of bloat is lower than for alfalfa. It is used for soil improvement in site rehabilitation in a variety of contexts.

Optimal Time of Use

Summer, fall. Delay grazing until a full canopy of leaves has developed. Delaying grazing until full bloom can prevented bloat and increased the stand persistence. Hay single cut red clover varieties at 25%+ bloom with regrowth used in fall.

Recovery After Use

Recovery after use may be varied depending on the site, moisture availability and management. Some sources indicate red clover recovers well after mid-season cutting and can be left for fall grazing. Other sources say using red clover twice a season can reduce longevity. Still others advise against its use for grazing because of its inability to resist traffic from grazing animals. It is recommended to leave at least 10 cm (4 in) to allow for regrowth as recovery may depend on where the growing tip is in relation to cutting or defoliation from grazing.

Palatability/Nutritional Value

Red clover is highly palatable and may be grazed preferentially. When red clover is cut or utilized at 25% bloom, crude protein can be 19% and dry matter 65% to 70%. Weight gains on red clover are similar to gains on alfalfa.

Annual Precipitation min/max (mm)

400mm / 1600mm.

Drought Tolerance

Low tolerance. Red clover is more drought tolerant than alsike clover but less than alfalfa.

Flooding Tolerance

Withstands 1 to 2 weeks of excess moisture, early in growing season; but intolerant of flooding during its actively growing period. Requires adequate moisture all season long.

Winter Hardiness

Good hardiness in single cut varieties. Fair tolerance in double cut varieties.

Soil Texture Preference

Most suited to heavier wet, fertile soils. Will grow on sandy textured soils as long as moisture is sufficient.

Erosion Control

Little ability to control erosion. Red clover has value for soil improvement in erosion control seeding and may be included in a mix.

Salinity Tolerance

Not tolerant.

Acidity Tolerance

High tolerance. Red clover can tolerate pH levels as low as 5.0 but yield is reduced significantly. Prefers pH of 6.0 to 7.0.

Alkalinity Tolerance

Moderate tolerance.

Seeds per kg

600,000 seeds/kg (272,000 seeds/lb).

Suggested Mixtures

Often grown in a mix with meadow bromegrass, timothy, smooth bromegrass, tall fescue or hybird bromegrass. Including grass in hay mixes assists with dry-down of windrows. In the Peace River Region red clover is often grown in the place of alfalfa in mixes because of its better acidity tolerance.

Ease of Establishment

Red clover is very easy to establish with moist conditions and moderate temperatures. Seedlings tend to be vigorous and shade tolerant. Use red clover the year after establishment. Red clover is successfully sod seeded.

Competitiveness

Red clover is competitive and can grow dominantly in a pasture situation for the first few years but can then decrease depending on grazing strategy. Persistence is dependent on how well the plant’s crown is maintained. Red clover is not invasive.

Management Considerations

Red clover is high in moisture and hay stands benefit from having a grass species in the mix to assist with drying-down. Short duration rotational gazing is beneficial for red clover longevity as grazing of newly emerging regrowth could be avoided. New growth is required to sustain the plant. Seed should be inoculated with Rhizobium trifolii for better nodulation and nitrogen fixing.

General Description

Fodder galega (pronounced guh-LAY-guh) is a perennial legume. It is winter hardy and tolerant of acidic soils. It can persist for over ten years.

Fodder galega has a large root system. It has a taproot and can spread by underground runners (rhizomes) or reproduce by seed. Galega can grow up to 150 cm (60 in) tall. Primary stems bend at the nodes. Leaves are broader than alfalfa, compound and set on stems. Flowers are purple-blue and grow in an elongated bunch. Five to eight seeds develop per pod, and seeds are kidney shaped.

Do not confuse fodder galega with its close relative goat’s rue (Galega officinalis). Goat’s rue is poisonous to ruminants.

Type

Tame legume.

Origin

Native to the Caucasus region of Europe and Asia (Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and southern Russia).

Longevity

3-10 years. Galega is slow to establish, so is not recommended for fast rotations where it will be grown for less than three years.

Use

Hay, silage.

Optimal Time of Use

Spring, summer, fall. Fodder galega matures about two weeks earlier than alfalfa or red clover.

Recovery After Use

Fodder galega is suitable for up to two cuts per year. European researchers taking three cuts sometimes report reduced yield.

Yield

Note that all yield data is from inoculated plots. Without Rhizobium galegae inoculant, galega yields are approximately half those of inoculated stands.

The long-term fodder galega plots (established 2011) at Lakehead University Agriculture Research Station show that production declines over time, with strong yields for the first 5 production years. Yield dropped by about half in the sixth year and stabilized again for production years 6-10.

Palatability/Nutritional Value

Very palatable to ruminants. Feed value similar to alfalfa or red clover.

Annual Precipitation min/max (mm)

Trials across Canada suggest that galega may not be productive in the semi-arid climate of the central prairies. 500mm / 1550mm

Drought Tolerance

Good drought tolerance.

Flooding Tolerance

Somewhat tolerant of flooding, but does not tolerate waterlogged soils.

Winter Hardiness

Very winter hardy. European research suggests that fodder galega varieties will tolerate air temperatures as low as -20C without snow cover, and -40C when the crowns are insulated by snow.

Soil Texture Preference

Adapted to moist soils of any texture.

Erosion Control

Fodder galega is sometimes used in eastern Europe to protect fallow fields that will be out of production for a few years. However, it is slow to establish, so may not be suited to soils at high risk of erosion.

Salinity Tolerance

Unknown.

Acidity Tolerance

Tolerant of acidic soils above pH 4.5. Grow best in pH above 6.0.

Alkalinity Tolerance

Up to pH 7.5.

Seeds per kg

111,000 to 181,800 seeds/kg (50,455 to 82,635 seeds/lb)

Suggested Mixtures

Canadian trials have been on pure stands only. Fodder galega does not compete well in the establishment year. Researchers in Estonia have had success seeding galega with timothy or smooth bromegrass.

Ease of Establishment

Galega seedlings grow slowly initially, so do not use a companion crop. Weed management ahead of seeding is essential for successful establishment. Early seeding improves yields. Seed as soon as soil conditions are fit to carry equipment in the spring. Seed at a rate of 25-35 kg/ha (22.5-31.5 lb/acre) and 1-2 cm (1/2 to 3/4 in) deep.

Competitiveness

Poor competitor in the establishment year. Once established, galega’s ability to spread by rhizomes helps maintain a thick stand.

Management Considerations

Fodder galega requires its own specific Rhizobium galegae inoculant to fix nitrogen, which is not available in Canada at the time of the eastern Canadian Forage U-Pick release. Some European researchers also recommend scarifying the seeds to improve germination.

General Description

Timothy is a widely adapted, cool season perennial bunchgrass. It is best adapted to cooler, higher rainfall regions or wetter areas. It is considered hardy and reliable, but does not tolerate drought well. Timothy persists in a stand long-term through self seeding and seedling establishment. 

Timothy roots are wide spreading, shallow and fibrous with heaviest concentration of roots within top 7.5 cm (3 in) of soil. Swollen bulbs or corms develop just below the surface and store nutrients for winter survival and regrowth after cutting or grazing. Timothy has strong tall stems up to 120 cm (47 in) tall. Leaves are hairless and rolled during the bud stage. They are relatively wide, up to 12 mm, and flat. The seed head is a spike of densely packed, bristle-like spikelets, each producing a tiny, dark brown seed. 

Type

Tame grass.

Origin

Europe. Most varieties used in Canada come from American breeders.

Longevity

Use

Optimal Time of Use

Summer; some fall use soil zone dependant. Hay the first cut between the headed and blooming. Second cut of a lower yield may be taken or regrowth may be grazed. Timothy is often grazed early in summer for most livestock but graze after stem elongation. Growth slows later in the summer but can be lightly re-grazed. Once the plant is dormant, timothy stands can be grazed in late fall and winter, but it does not hold its feed quality.

Recovery After Use

Palatability/Nutritional Value

If used early in the season before flowering, timothy has good quality, 11% crude protein, and 61% digestibility. Timothy pasture is very palatable in the vegetative stage. At later growth stages, quality and nutritional value decline rapidly. Overall, a highly palatable and preferred species for cattle and horses.

Drought Tolerance

Generally poor drought tolerance. Although some varieties have some drought hardiness, most timothy cannot tolerate short periods of moisture stress.

Flooding Tolerance

Withstands 2-5 weeks of spring flooding. There are differing views in the literature on its tolerance to flooding later in the growing season. Timothy does grow well on moister soils.

Winter Hardiness

Good to excellent tolerance. Winter hardiness is enhanced with adequate snow cover.

Soil Texture Preference

Erosion Control

Moderate erosion control. Timothy is noted for use in wetland upland areas when seeded with other species.

Salinity Tolerance

Not tolerant.

Acidity Tolerance

High tolerance. Timothy tolerates soil pH as low as 4.5.

Alkalinity Tolerance

Low tolerance.

Seeds per kg

2,564,000 seeds/kg (1,163,000 seeds/lb)

Suggested Mixtures

Ease of Establishment

The small seeds of timothy must be seeded shallow for establishment. Timothy is relatively easy to establish early in the spring. Heat and drought will cause seedlings to die.

Competitiveness

Poor to moderate competitiveness while establishing so weeds must be managed. Timothy has moderate competitiveness once established. Timothy can co-exist with native species where it is well adapted, but it generally is not considered invasive.

Management Considerations

Drought tolerance is the major limitation with timothy. Timothy responds positively to fertilization. Allow timothy to drop seed occassionally to increase stand longevity. Timothy is best rotationally grazed but can be difficult to manage to not graze too early or during stem elongation and to consider that regrowth potential is low.

General Description

Tall fescue is a deep-rooted, perennial bunchgrass. Although it is considered a cool season grass and is adapted to cool and humid climates, tall fescue can tolerate more heat than other cool season grasses. It has an extensive coarse, dense root system and short rhizomes. Longevity is extremely variable and dependent on variety. It is similar to meadow fescue but is distinguished by having wider, less glossy leaves. 

Tall fescue has stems that grow to a height of over 100 cm (39 in). They are smooth, semi-erect, and fairly thick. Leaves (12 mm wide) are mostly basal, with blades that are flat, dark green and hairless. The leaves are shiny & waxy and resist drought somewhat; also making tall fescue a bit more challenging to cure for hay. Seed heads develop with 3 to 10 flowers per spikelet. Tall fescue is cross-pollinated and the seed shatters easily.

Endophytes are a fungus that can live within tall fescue plants improving the plant. However, endophytes can produce a toxin (ergovaline) harmful to livestock and wildlife. The toxin restricts blood flow, which often shows as lameness and then sloughing of feet (‘fescue foot’) or the loss of extremities such as the tip of the tail and/or eat. Further, endophytes can lead to reproductive issues, including abortions. The turf-type varieties most often carry the fungus in the seed/plants, which then pass it on to the seed it produces. Forage-type varieties with low-endophyte levels are best utilized for livestock production. Feed should be tested when in doubt.

Type

Tame grass.

Origin

Central Europe, North Africa. Hardier varieties developed in North America.

Longevity

At least 5 years. Persistence is dependent on variety.

Use

Pasture, hay, sailage, stockpiled. Forage varieties with noted winter hardiness should be used. Turf-type varieties are grown for seed production but are not suitable for high forage yield and quality.

Optimal Time of Use

Spring, summer, fall, winter. Hay tall fescue by early heading. Regrowth may be grazed or stockpiled. Tall fescue can be continually or rotationally grazed. Leave at least 10 cm (4 in) for substantial regrowth to occur. Basal leaf growth develops from new tillers throughout the season. Begins growing a little later than other grass- manage accordingly. Good for summer grazing or stockpiling for fall and early winter grazing as it maintains quality well after fall frosts and stands erect through light snowfall.

Recovery After Use

Palatability/Nutritional Value

Good palatability in vegetative stages. Tall fescue has an average total digestible nutrient (TDN) level of 59% and crude protein of 9-12% mid-summer. Endophytes in turf varieties can be a problem for livestock. Purchase endophyte-free seed and test forages from non-endophyte free stands.

Drought Tolerance

Moderate tolerance. Recovers quickly.

Flooding Tolerance

Withstands 2-5 weeks of spring flooding and tolerates wet or waterlogged soil often spring through fall.

Winter Hardiness

Fair to good tolerance depending on the variety. Select varieties noted for hardiness. Winter is highly dependent on variety, snow cover conditions, drought, and breaks in dormancy.

Soil Texture Preference

Prefers deep, moist, silty to clayey soils. Sub-irrigated sites may also be suitable. 

Erosion Control

Moderate erosion control.

Salinity Tolerance

Moderate tolerance. Good tolerance to salinity makes it a good choice for irrigated saline pasture land.

Acidity Tolerance

High tolerance. Tolerates soil pHs as low as 4.7 but yields better on slightly acidic to neutral soils.

Alkalinity Tolerance

High tolerance.

Seeds per kg

454,000 seeds/kg (206,000 seeds/lb)

Suggested Mixtures

Ease of Establishment

Strong seedling vigour helps tall fescue establish relatively easily, especially if competition and soil fertility are managed.

Competitiveness

Once established, tall fescue is competitive. Potentially invasive depending on location and variety. In some habitats in the northern US tall fescue, especially those varieties with endophytes, are considered invasive and persistent.

Management Considerations

General Description

Smooth bromegrass is a high-yielding, cold hardy, long-lasting, creeping perennial grass. Roots are deep, fibrous, and very fine. Once established it develops creeping rhizomes that can become root bound. Smooth bromegrass is used for forage, roadside site rehabilitation and erosion control.

Stems can reach as high as 1.2 m (48 in) in height. Leaf blades are rolled, hairless, large and wide, up to 1.5 cm (1/2 in). There is often a “W” constriction or “watermark” in the upper leaf. Smooth bromegrass forms long seed heads 20 cm (8 in) long with 7 to 10 spikelets and flowers. It is cross-pollinated and develops seed easily. 

Type

Tame grass.

Origin

Europe & northern Asia. Varieties developed in Canada.

Longevity

At least 10 years. Smooth bromegrass is highly naturalized in Canada and found in ditches, field margins, forests, and riparian areas.

Use

Optimal Time of Use

Recovery After Use

Palatability/Nutritional Value

Very palatable to livestock when young. Palatability does decline once headed. Hay nutritional values are generally 11 to 14% protein and 64% digestibility.

Annual Precipitation min/max (mm)

Drought Tolerance

Flooding Tolerance

Withstands 2-5 weeks of spring flooding. Often found invading riparian zones.

Winter Hardiness

Excellent hardiness. Sod allows it to survive nearly any winter situation.

Soil Texture Preference

Smooth bromegrass is adapted for all soils. It yields the highest on fertile loamy soils. 

Erosion Control

Excellent for erosion control. Smooth bromegrass forms sod. 

Salinity Tolerance

Moderate tolerance. When seeded in saline areas, smooth bromegrass will grow on patches and margins with lower salt levels. As its growth helps lower the salinity levels, it then can spread and fill in gaps.

Acidity Tolerance

Moderate tolerance. Smooth bromegrass tolerates pH levels as low as 5.5, but is most productive on soils with pH 6.0 to 7.5.

Alkalinity Tolerance

Moderate tolerance.

Seeds per kg

315,000 seeds/kg (143,000 seeds/lb)

Suggested Mixtures

One of the most widely seeded grasses. Often seeded with alfalfa and timothy (area dependant). Stand is best managed to maintain a desired percentage of alfalfa in the stand. If seeded with other grasses smooth bromegrass will tend to outcompete the other grass in a short period. Is now being replaced with meadow or hybrid bromegrass due to their palatability and less competitive nature.

Ease of Establishment

Seed-to-soil contact is important when establishing smooth bromegrass, but it is widely adapted to a broad range of seedbed conditions. Smooth bromegrass seed germinates easily into strong seedlings but stand takes time to establish and thicken in the first year. Seed is ‘fluffy’ in nature.

Competitiveness

High competitiveness and invasiveness.

Management Considerations

Smooth bromegrass stands respond well to fertilization and need to be fertilized to favour and maintain legumes in mixed stands. Consider seeding a higher percentage of a legume initially as smooth bromegrass will spread and increase in the stand over time. It is not a good candidate for stockpiling for use in early spring as it does not maintain its feed quality over the winter.

General Description

Reed canarygrass is a well-adapted, long-lived, cool season, perennial native grass with many tame varieties. It grows best in wet areas but also can tolerate some moist upland areas. This grass often grows on wet sites, and can indicate high soil moisture conditions where periodic flooding can occur for extended periods of time. Extensive sod-forming root systems are produced by crowns below the soil surface. The plant may appear to be bunched but actually produces large diameter, short rhizomes, which in turn produce new shoots and roots. 

Stems are coarse and erect, growing up to 200 cm (79 in) tall. Leaves are pale green, large, flat, and wide up to 20 mm (3/4 in) wide. The spikelets of the seed head cluster alternately up the stem, producing purplish flowers. Seed shatters very easily, and germination ability declines soon after being shed. Select a tame reed canarygrass variety with low alkaloid levels for the best palatability and animal health. 

Type

Native grass. Tame grass (introduced cultivars).

Origin

Native to North America. Varieties used in Canada originate from both North America and Europe. It is thought the hybridization of introduced and North American types has produced aggressive plants in central and western North America.

Longevity

Use

Pasture, hay, reclamation. As a high yielding grass with good regrowth it may be hayed in a two-cut system or grazed after haying.

Optimal Time of Use

Spring, summer, fall. Established stands can be grazed several times during the season, if kept in vegetative growth stages. Easily managed under rotational grazing, and more difficult to manage well under continuous grazing. As soon as reed canarygrass heads out, stems mature and become coarse causing a sharp decline in palatability. Hay at boot to heading to allow for quality and regrowth for a two-cut haying system.

Recovery After Use

Palatability/Nutritional Value

Crude protein of 12 to 15% and digestibility ranges from 55 to 65% early in the season, but protein and digestibility drop dramatically later in the season. Timing of use is important with reed canarygrass- in the vegetative stage palatability is high. As stems develop palatability decreases drastically and quality falls. Use alkaloid-free varieties registered in Canada to avoid problems with livestock grazing and alkaloid toxicity.

Drought Tolerance

Moderate tolerance.

Flooding Tolerance

Withstands 5 weeks or more of flooding and grows well in waterlogged soils. It is best adapted to wet areas but can grow on moist upland areas.

Winter Hardiness

Good hardiness. Improved by allowing 4 weeks rest from grazing before killing frosts.

Soil Texture Preference

Erosion Control

High erosion control. Thick sod and high competitive ability make this a good candidate for erosion control, especially in waterways and wetter areas.

Salinity Tolerance

Slight tolerance.

Acidity Tolerance

High tolerance. Tolerates soil pH values as low as 5.0.

Alkalinity Tolerance

Moderate tolerance.

Seeds per kg

1,186,000 seeds/kg (538,000 seeds/lb)

Suggested Mixtures

Seed with moisture tolerant legumes for hay or grazing. Often seeded as a monoculture in floodplains or riparian areas. Mixes will with bird’s foot trefoil, red clover for wet areas, and meadow brome grass and alfalfa for undulating topography.

Ease of Establishment

Since reed canarygrass seedlings cannot tolerate flooding, mid-summer seeding is optimal when soil moisture levels are lower and the chance of flooding is reduced. Stands can be thin in early years, but eventually fill in from strong rhizomatous growth. Young stands should not be grazed until they are well established and have developed a dense sod. When establishing new stands, use of pedigreed seed rather than common seed will reduce problems with alkaloids by ensuring that the alkaloid-free varieties are “true to variety”.

Competitiveness

Low competitiveness in early years, but highly competitive and aggressive once it is established. Invasiveness in many situations is considered moderate, as it can escape from pastures and spread into riparian areas, waterways, and wetlands.

Management Considerations

Seek out newer, alkaloid-free varieties for forage uses, or carefully manage the grazing period to avoid alkaloid toxicity in animals. Watch for alkaloid issues in stands established before the development of newer alkaloid-free varieties, especially during drought stress. Fencing wetter areas with reed canarygrass separately can help ensure that these areas are grazed properly to stay vegetative for maximum palatability. Older upland stands can be occasionally spiked, coultered, or knifed to cut roots and rhizomes and stimulate new growth.

General Description

Orchardgrass is a very productive, highly palatable, perennial bunchgrass. Root systems are extensive and fibrous with a distinctive bunch growth. Crowns increase in size over time through tiller production.

Seed heads are up to 20 cm (8 in) long with clustered spikelets. Seeds are small but light, awned and chaffy. Orchardgrass is widespread in fields, meadows, and roadsides in regions with high annual rainfall.

Type

Tame grass.

Origin

Europe, Africa, and Asia. Varieties developed in Canada.

Longevity

At least 5 years. Persistence of orchardgrass is very dependent on the ecosystem and variety.

Use

Pasture, hay. Can be grazed in a rotational or continuous grazing system. Orchardgrass is also commonly used for seeding of roadsides, log landings, skid trails, and forested sites. Orchardgrass is fine-leaved and does not stand up to late fall/ winter stockpiled grazing.

Optimal Time of Use

Summer, fall. Can be grazed in the late spring once plants reach 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 in) in height, and repeatedly through mid-autumn. It can be grazed later in the fall, but should be left to accumulate reserves in late summer and early fall. Orchargrass should be cut for hay at early heading. 

Recovery After Use

Palatability/Nutritional Value

Orchard grass is one of the most palatable tame grasses. Crude protein ranges from 13 to 15% and digestibility is approximately 67% when in vegetative stage. Quality drops off quickly when it forms seed heads. Livestock do very well on orchardgrass and seek it out in mixed stands.

Drought Tolerance

Moderate tolerance. Orchardgrass is more drought tolerant than timothy, but not as much as bromegrasses. However, once a dry period ends, it can recover quickly.

Flooding Tolerance

Withstands 1-2 weeks of spring flooding. Does best with high annual rainfall.

Winter Hardiness

Fair to good hardiness. Winter hardiness is dependent on snow cover conditions, carryover stubble height, and variety improvements. Orchardgrass winter hardiness has been good in the Peace River Region even with little snow cover. Carry over stubble height should be should be at least 20 cm (8 in) in colder regions. In most regions, select an orchardgrass variety noted for hardiness.

Soil Texture Preference

Orchard grass is suited to loamy to clay soils with a high water holding capacity, and does well in areas with high precipitation.

Erosion Control

No erosion control.

Salinity Tolerance

No salinity tolerance.

Acidity Tolerance

Moderate tolerance. Tolerates soil pH levels as low as 5.0.

Alkalinity Tolerance

Low tolerance.

Seeds per kg

942,000 seeds/kg (427,000 seeds/lb)

Suggested Mixtures

Ease of Establishment

Orchardgrass grows as vigorous seedlings that establish quickly, are shade tolerant, and will tolerate a companion or nurse crop. Spring growth thereafter is slower than other grasses. Orchardgrass seed viability declines rapidly in storage.

Competitiveness

Management Considerations

Orchardgrass responds well to nitrogen fertilizer and is most productive overall with rotational grazing. Orchardgrass must go into the winter with enough residue to store carbohydrates in the stem to survive. Leaving standing residue over winter can help increase snow cover which is important to insulate the crowns. Select varieties with noted winter hardiness.

General Description

Meadow fescue is a perennial bunch grass suited to higher precipitation areas, but lacks longevity due to poorer winter hardiness and susceptibility to heavy grazing. It is very closely related to tall fescue, and can be hard to distinguish. Generally, meadow fescue is less persistent, shorter, and finer leaved. It has the ability to cross with perennial and annual ryegrass.

Stems grow up to 1 m (40 in) tall. Leaves are mostly basal, with blades that are flat, dark green and have veins running down them. The leaf undersides are glossy and the edges are rough. Seed heads develop with 6 to 10 flowers per spikelet. Meadow fescue is cross-pollinated (and can cross with grasses) and the seed shatters easily.

Type

Tame grass.

Origin

Europe.

Longevity

At least 5 years.

Use

Pasture, hay, stockpiled. Meadow fescue is best used as pasture as growth is mainly basal.

Optimal Time of Use

Spring, summer, fall, winter. Meadow fescue has been replaced mainly by new tall fescue varieties that have equal adaptability and more production and longevity. Hay by heading. Meadow fescue is best rotationally grazed but can be continually with care. Leave at least 10 cm (4 in) for regrowth to occur. Good for summer grazing or stockpiling for fall and early winter grazing as it maintains quality well after fall frosts. 

Recovery After Use

Requires a minimum 45-60 days of recovery after use. If hayed, meadow fescue can be grazed or stockpiled thereafter.

Palatability/Nutritional Value

Meadow fescue has an average total digestible nutrient (TDN) level of 61% and crude protein level of 12.5% in the vegetative state. Meadow fescue has fair palatability. Meadow fescue remains green into the fall.

Annual Precipitation min/max (mm)

500mm minimum

Drought Tolerance

Moderate tolerance. It is less drought tolerant than tall fescue.

Flooding Tolerance

Withstands 2-5 weeks of spring flooding. It withstands wet soils season long.

Winter Hardiness

Fair hardiness. Meadow fescue longevity is limited by winter hardiness.

Soil Texture Preference

Meadow fescue is best suited to moist or wet clay-loam to clay soils, but will grow on light textured soils with high moisture. Moisture is meadow fescue’s limiting factor.

Erosion Control

Moderate erosion control. Can be used as an initial species in waterways or channels to prevent erosion as it does not impede water movement.

Salinity Tolerance

Moderate tolerance.

Acidity Tolerance

Moderate tolerance.

Alkalinity Tolerance

Low tolerance.

Seeds per kg

507,000 seeds/kg (230,000 seeds/lb)

Suggested Mixtures

Meadow fescue is compatible in mixes. Species include alsike clover, birdsfoot trefoil, timothy and bromegrasses.

Ease of Establishment

Meadow fescue seedlings can establish well in the first season when competition is managed. It is noted to winterkill easily during the establishment year.

Competitiveness

Meadow fescue has moderate competitive ability. Overall, its longevity is limited with cold winter conditions.

Management Considerations

Allow for adequate rest following defoliation. Cold hardiness is its major limitation making it a grass not frequently used in Western Canada. May serve well as a short rotation, good producing grass species for late season grazing.