General Description

Rocky Mountain fescue is a densely tufted, low-growing, perennial bunchgrass with dense fibrous roots. Alpine fescue is very similar in growth habit but slightly shorter in stature. Both are cool season native grasses. There has been some variety development research in the last 10 years by Alberta Research Council researchers in Vegreville, Alberta. 

Type

Native grass.

Origin

Western North America.

Longevity

Long-lived.

Use

Reclamation, grazing. Used in reclamation mixes as a pioneer species in harsh environments. Also used for erosions control and for restoring Rocky Mountain sheep habitat. Also appropriate for grassland restoration.

Optimal Time of Use

Early spring and early summer, but also late fall.

Recovery After Use

Where Rocky Mountain fescue is a co-dominant in late successional grasslands, in the Interior Douglas-fir zone it decreases with overgrazing. At higher elevations, Rocky Mountain fescue and Alpine fescue can remain in mid-successional grazed alpine plant communities.

Palatability/Nutritional Value

Palatability is low but an important source of food for Rocky Mountain sheep and for elk in spring and summer.

Annual Precipitation min/max (mm)

350mm / 700mm

Drought Tolerance

Both are drought tolerant and are noticeably absent from wetter areas.

Flooding Tolerance

Low tolerance.

Winter Hardiness

High tolerance

Soil Texture Preference

Prefers well drained sandy to loam soils.

Erosion Control

The fibrous roots of these grasses and their adaptation to sandy, gravelly, infertile soils make them useful for erosion control and rehabilitation of disturbed sites. 

Salinity Tolerance

No to low tolerance.

Acidity Tolerance

Low to moderate tolerance.

Alkalinity Tolerance

Unknown.

Seeds per kg

1,041,000 seeds/kg (472,190 seeds/lb)

Suggested Mixtures

Best blended with junegrass, alpine bluegrass, or other native species.

Ease of Establishment

Germinates better in cooler soils. Use narrow spacing if drill seeding. Seed early in spring. Suggested seeding depth is 0.6 to 1.2 cm (1/4 to 1/2 in).

Competitiveness

Rocky Mountain fescue has low competitiveness which lends itself to be most compatible with other native species.

Management Considerations

Clear site of all weeds prior to seeding, as these species are not overly competitive.

General Description

Redtop is a long-lived, perennial tufted grass with common names like bentgrass or ticklegrass. Several closely related species of this bentgrass group are discussed in the literature including redtop (Agrostis gigantea Roth or Agrostis stolonifera – introduced), and hair bentgrass (Agrostis scabra – native). The common name ticklegrass can refer to any of these species. Redtop was introduced and has become naturalized throughout British Columbia. It is abundant following disturbance, especially in the northeastern part of British Columbia. 

Type

Tame grass.

Origin

Introduced from Europe.

Longevity

High.

Use

Reclamation. Introduced initially for use in lawns and turf grasses. Used for erosion control in riparian areas and wetlands, and rehabilitation of disturbed sites with high acidity or heavy metal contamination. There has been some use for pasture and hay in higher elevation wet meadows in western states.

Optimal Time of Use

Spring and summer.

Recovery After Use

Tolerant of grazing because of semi-prostrate growth and generally low palatability.

Palatability/Nutritional Value

Cattle prefer most other tame grass species over redtop. When it is available it is preferred by cattle and horses in spring and summer, preferred by sheep in spring, and desirable in summer.

Annual Precipitation min/max (mm)

450mm / 600mm

Drought Tolerance

Moderate tolerance.

Flooding Tolerance

Redtop is adapted to frequent flooding.

Winter Hardiness

Redtop has a high cold tolerance and is adapted to northern areas of North America.

Soil Texture Preference

Grows well on poor, clayey soils, on poorly drained soil, and on soils with low fertility. Not suited to limestone-based soils.

Erosion Control

Rhizomatous root system makes this species useful for erosion control.

Salinity Tolerance

Low salinity tolerance.

Acidity Tolerance

High tolerance. Redtop grows well on very acid soils and will tolerate pH as low as 4.5.

Alkalinity Tolerance

Low tolerance- up to pH 8.0.

Seeds per kg

10,670,000 seeds/kg (4,839,836 seeds/lb)

Suggested Mixtures

Redtop is seldom seeded alone and forage quality is improved when seeded with species such as timothy and/or clover species.

Ease of Establishment

When established from seed, redtop plants can have low vigour resulting in poor stands. However, once established plants will readily spread. Early spring seeding is recommended to allow establishment before onset of drier conditions. Broadcast seeding with light harrowing is suitable. Soil compaction over seed may cause crusting which can be impenetrable to emerging seedlings.

Competitiveness

Can be highly competitive and invasive in some regions and habitats.

Management Considerations

This species should not be seeded where native vegetation is desired, and readily hybridizes with other Agrostis species. Pasture mixes will need to be grazed closely to allow for palatable regrowth on wetter and sub-irrigated sites.

General Description

Italian ryegrass is a short-lived, highly tillered, cool season biennial bunchgrass. It is usually grown as an annual forage or a quickly establishing, green ground cover. There are two types of ryegrasses: Italian and Westerwold, both with diploid and tetraploid varieties. Ryegrasses cross-pollinate freely and it is difficult to maintain genetic purity. Often, they form a mixture of perennial and annual species. 

Type

Tame grass.

Origin

Italian ryegrass originates from northern Italy. Westerwold ryegrass was developed in the Netherlands from Italian ryegrass, and can set seed in the year of sowing.

Longevity

Will only live 1 to 2 years.

Use

Optimal Time of Use

Throughout the season and a good option for extending grazing into late fall and early winter where adapted.

Recovery After Use

Palatability/Nutritional Value

Highly palatable and highly digestible. Fall regrowth showed crude protein 17 to 23% (dependent on sampling time and variety, at Melfort, 1992).

Drought Tolerance

Low drought tolerance.

Flooding Tolerance

Good tolerance to excess moisture and short periods of flooding.

Winter Hardiness

Low, winter severity determines whether plants survive for a second year.

Soil Texture Preference

Grows best on fertile, well-drained soils but is adapted to a wide range of soil types and textures.

Erosion Control

Can provide quick cover for short-term erosion control, and while perennials are establishing.

Salinity Tolerance

Moderate tolerance.

Acidity Tolerance

High tolerance, will tolerate pH as low as 5.0.

Alkalinity Tolerance

Low tolerance will tolerate pH up to 7.9.

Seeds per kg

501,000 seeds/kg (227,250 seeds/lb)

Suggested Mixtures

Italian ryegrasses can be seeded in mixtures, although it should be seeded at a lower rate to allow establishment of slower to establish perennials.

Ease of Establishment

Italian ryegrasses are easy to establish. Seed in mid- to late May or if concerned about weed pressure, delay seeding until mid- June. Responds well to fertilizer applications (especially N and P). If broadcasting N, apply before seeding or after plant is at the 2- to 3-leaf stage. Functions very well as a nurse crop while establishing other slower growing forage crops.

Competitiveness

Highly competitive in the year of seeding.

Management Considerations

Lack of winter hardiness suggests on planning for use as an annual crop except in areas where winters are typically mild.

General Description

Hard fescue is an introduced, cool season bunchgrass with fibrous roots. Hard fescue is not native to North America and was introduced from Europe. There is some confusion about the scientific naming of the species, mostly because in older works it was considered a subspecies of sheep fescue (Festuca ovina var. duriscula). Sheep fescue is also introduced from Europe, but is closely related to the red fescue (F. rubra) complex, which is native to North America. They are grouped together here as characteristics are very similar. 

Type

Tame grass.

Origin

Europe and Eurasia.

Longevity

Hard fescue is long-lived.

Use

Hard fescue is used primarily for erosion control, stabilization of roadsides and skid trails, weed and invasive plant suppression, and groundcover in orchards. It is sometimes used in forage applications although less preferred than other species.

Optimal Time of Use

Hard fescue remains green through the growing season, and may be used in spring, summer and fall. Hard fescue should not be grazed in the year of establishment.

Recovery After Use

Primarily spring and fall growth dependent on moisture conditions.

Palatability/Nutritional Value

It is only fair forage value compared to other species. Forage quality is typically better on more moist sites and can be improved with fertilization.

Drought Tolerance

Hard fescue “Durar” has moderate drought tolerance, but is less drought tolerant than sheep fescue.

Flooding Tolerance

Low tolerance.

Winter Hardiness

Hard fescue has moderate winter hardiness and cold tolerance.

Soil Texture Preference

Hard fescue prefers fine to medium textured soils that are well drained.

Erosion Control

Hard fescue is highly suitable for erosion control because of its extensive root system once it is established.

Salinity Tolerance

No salinity tolerance.

Acidity Tolerance

Low to moderate tolerance, but prefers pH levels of 6.0 to 8.0.

Alkalinity Tolerance

Low tolerance.

Seeds per kg

1,243,000 seeds/kg (565,000 seeds/lb)

Suggested Mixtures

Other species may be included depending on management objectives.

Ease of Establishment

Seedlings are delicate and may be susceptible to soil crusting. Spring seeding may be preferable. Plants remain small in the first year. Typically cover increases substantially in the second year of establishment. Suitable for broadcast applications.

Competitiveness

Hard fescue is very competitive, and can increase and become dominant once established.

Management Considerations

Fertilization may help maintain stands on heavily used areas.

General Description

Bluejoint reedgrass is a robust, hardy, tall, tufted, perennial grass native to boreal forests. It gets its name from the purplish-blue nodes on its stems, and is also referred to as Canada bluejoint grass, reedgrass, marsh reedgrass, and Scribner’s reedgrass. It provides good spring forage for livestock and native ungulates. When harvested as livestock feed from wet meadows that contain significant amounts of bluejoint reedgrass, it is referred to as “beaver grass.” 

Type

Native grass.

Origin

Native to boreal forests in northern Canada.

Longevity

Long-lived.

Use

Forage, revegetation, erosion control, and wildlife habitat.

Optimal Time of Use

Spring. 

Recovery After Use

Decreases after heavy grazing and trampling in some areas. Otherwise, bluejoint is an increaser species and it readily reproduces through rhizomes and seed.

Palatability/Nutritional Value

Fair nutritional quality that is generally higher in early spring. Livestock generally avoid the coarse stems but will eat the large leaves.

Annual Precipitation min/max (mm)

360mm / 1650mm

Drought Tolerance

Can be very drought tolerant once established.

Flooding Tolerance

Grows well on wet soils and has high tolerance to flooding.

Winter Hardiness

High winter hardiness.

Soil Texture Preference

Often found on fine-textured soils with good water holding capacity but can be found on sandy soils with high water table. Prefers very moist to wet soils with a moderate nutrient regime.

Erosion Control

Rhizomes spread quickly in disturbed areas, and bluejoint can speed up recovery of soil properties like bulk density, organic matter content, and porosity. It has been used to lower water tables, but its competitive effect may outweigh the benefits. Bluejoint has been used to stabilize streambanks, filter runoff, increase evapotranspiration to reduce flooding, rehabilitate wetlands, and revegetate oil spills (Sourdough variety). However, if the ultimate objective is to return to natural spruce regeneration, special management of bluejoint’s highly competitive nature will be required.

Salinity Tolerance

Can tolerate mildly brackish water.

Acidity Tolerance

High tolerance. prefers pH levels of 5.0 to 5.9 and will tolerate pH down to 4.5.

Alkalinity Tolerance

Low tolerance; up to pH 8.0.

Seeds per kg

5,000,000 seeds/kg (2,270,000 seeds/lb)

Suggested Mixtures

Sometimes mixed with other grasses and legumes to reduce the competitiveness of bluejoint.

Ease of Establishment

Establishes easily from wind-blown seed or from extensive underground rhizomes. Adequate site preparation, i.e., mineral soil disturbance, is required for seeding.

Competitiveness

Can be highly competitive; mechanical or chemical control is required to control heavy swards to successfully establish tree seedlings.

Management Considerations

Proactive management is required to limit bluejoint spread in some situations. Careful scalping or large inverted mounds are mechanical controls that have been tried. Herbicides and replacement vegetation might be considered depending on the situation and management objectives. Sheep grazing with 2 grazing passes has also been used for successful control of bluejoint in the first season of tree establishment.

General Description

Hairy vetch is an annual or biennial, hardy, cool season agronomic legume, also commonly referred to as fodder vetch, winter vetch, or sand vetch. It has a weak tap root that grows up to 60 to 90 cm (24 to 35 in) with many side branches in the top 20 cm (8 in) and is known as an excellent nitrogen fixer. 

Type

Tame legume.

Origin

Native to Europe and Asia. Now the most used vetch in North America.

Longevity

Annual or biennial.

Use

Hay, grazing, erosion control. Consumption of seed can be poisonous to livestock. Hairy vetch is especially known for erosion control, bank stabilization, winter cover crop, and soil conditioning. It can be a suitable plant in organic and no-till pasture and cropping systems.

Optimal Time of Use

Spring and winter. 

Recovery After Use

The growth habit of hairy vetch means it is typically used once per grazing season.

Palatability/Nutritional Value

High palatability, high crude protein values and very digestible.

Annual Precipitation min/max (mm)

450mm / 600mm.

Drought Tolerance

High drought tolerance.

Flooding Tolerance

Some flooding tolerance but not adapted to poorly drained soils.

Winter Hardiness

Winter hardy but dependent on good snow cover. Vetch seeded alone may be vulnerable to frost heave damage.

Soil Texture Preference

Prefers sandy soils but is adapted to all soil textures.

Erosion Control

High ability to control erosion. Hairy vetch can provide a heavy surface mulch.

Salinity Tolerance

Low to moderate tolerance.

Acidity Tolerance

Low tolerance, prefers pH 6.0 to 7.5.

Alkalinity Tolerance

Low tolerance.

Seeds per kg

44,000 seeds/kg (97,003 seeds/lb).

Suggested Mixtures

Hairy vetch is commonly fall-seeded with rye for pasture use.

Ease of Establishment

Easily establishes where adapted.

Competitiveness

Once established, hairy vetch can be aggressive and competitive. It sets seed and can proliferate from self-seeding.

Management Considerations

Hairy vetch is normally planted in the fall. It can be broadcast or drill seeded.

General Description

Western wheatgrass is a native cool-season perennial grass that grows from strong rhizomes. It is regularly found in patches mixed with other species in native plant communities. Smooth stems grow to 20 to 100 cm (8 to 39 in) tall and are very erect. The leaves are rigid, flat, 6 mm wide, blue-green with prominent veins. Leaves grow at about a 45 degree angle to the stem. Western wheatgrass plants are often seen growing without seedheads/stems.

Type

Native grass.

Origin

Mixed Grass Prairie of North America.

Longevity

Long lived.

Use

Pasture, hay, reclamation.

Optimal Time of Use

Spring, summer, fall. Cures well of the stem so is suitable for fall stockpiled grazing. Harvest for hay by heading for best quality.

Recovery After Use

Western wheatgrass should be allowed to reach 15 cm (6 in) of growth before grazing in spring. It usually responds favorably to rest rotation or deferred rotation grazing systems. Recovery can occur within 60-80 days in cultivars.

Palatability/Nutritional Value

Western wheatgrass is considered good forage and is palatable to livestock and wildlife. In June digestibility is 60% with crude protein around 14%. Digestibility on unharvested western wheatgrass remains the same through fall with crude protein levels dropping to between 7.5- 9.5%. Stockpiled regrowth does maintain high quality (11-16 % CP). Western wheatgrass provides nutritious winter pasture and hay.

Annual Precipitation min/max (mm)

300mm / 510mm

Drought Tolerance

Excellent tolerance. Plants will shut down, but will regrow when moisture returns.

Flooding Tolerance

Can stand up to 5 weeks of spring flooding.

Winter Hardiness

Excellent hardiness. Western wheatgrass’ cold hardiness is comparable to crested wheatgrass and Russian wildrye.

Soil Texture Preference

Suited to all soil textures but grows best on clay to loamy soils. Naturally found on moist to dry slopes and can often be found where water pools in the spring. Often found on solonetzic soils.

Erosion Control

Effective erosion control. However, full cover will take time as seedlings must first establish and then rhizomes spread.

Salinity Tolerance

Slight to moderate tolerance.

Acidity Tolerance

Not recommended for acidic soils.

Alkalinity Tolerance

High tolerance.

Seeds per kg

253,000 seeds/kg (115,000 seeds/lb)

Suggested Mixtures

Native species mixes; legumes and/or tame bunchgrasses for grazing; Western wheatgrass works well in mixtures but creeps aggressively so should be kept to a low percentage in a seed mix.

Ease of Establishment

Western wheatgrass is relatively easy to establish, but seedlings tend not to be very vigorous and stands can take several years to become fully established through rhizome development.

Competitiveness

Can be competitive as it becomes established, spreading mostly by rhizomes. The percentage in seed mixtures should be kept low to prevent western wheatgrass from dominating stands.

Management Considerations

A mixed stand helps reduce the chances of seeded western wheatgrass becoming sod-bound. Manage grazing for adequate recovery. Western wheatgrass works well in a stockpiled grazing system.

General Description

Streambank wheatgrass is a low growing, highly rhizomatous grass that spreads out to form a tough sod.  Streambank wheatgrass is now considered a subspecies of northern wheatgrass. While considered a native grass, tame cultivars have been developed and used for over 65 years. Streambank wheatgrass has moderately short stems and seedheads and tough, narrow leaves. Streambank wheatgrass may be used for pasture, but has relatively low production and palatability.

Type

Native grass & tame grass. Long standing tame cultivars exist.

Origin

Native to riparian and moist areas across the prairies. Tame varieties developed in Canada and USA.

Longevity

Long-lived.

Use

Reclamation, pasture. Streambank sub-species is best noted for reclamation.

Optimal Time of Use

Spring, summer. If grazed, streambank wheatgrass should be used early as palatability decreases as it matures. 

Recovery After Use

Cultivars require an average of 60-80 days of recovery after use. Streambank wheatgrass regrowth potential is generally low.

Palatability/Nutritional Value

Streambank wheatgrass has low palatability. Average digestibility of 54% and crude protein of 9% are noted in the late vegetative stage.

Annual Precipitation min/max (mm)

203mm / 635mm

Drought Tolerance

Excellent tolerance.

Flooding Tolerance

Withstands up to 5 weeks of flooding.

Winter Hardiness

Good hardiness.

Soil Texture Preference

Streambank wheatgrass is adapted to well to moderately drained sandy, loamy and clay soils in the Brown, Dark Brown, Black and Grey soil zones.

Erosion Control

Streambank wheatgrass is highly effective for water erosion control. It can be used in streams, canals, and erosion gullies. Streambank wheatgrass is short and does not impede water flow.

Salinity Tolerance

Moderate tolerance.

Acidity Tolerance

Not recommended for use on acidic soils.

Alkalinity Tolerance

Moderate tolerance.

Seeds per kg

354,000 seeds/kg (160,000 seeds/lb)

Suggested Mixtures

Streambank wheatgrass is often seeded as a monoculture on waterways. Streambank wheatgrass can be used with other vigorous native species for reclamation. Sodar is the long-standing streambank wheatgrass cultivar.

Ease of Establishment

Streambank wheatgrass has good establishment vigor. It is one of the most vigorous native seedlings next to slender wheatgrass. Rhizomes grow quickly to spread the plant outwards.

Competitiveness

Streambank wheatgrass is more vigorous than northern wheatgrass. It is very competitive overall once established and is noted for competing with weeds. Aggressive tame forage species may compete with streambank wheatgrass.

Management Considerations

Streambank wheatgrass will form a low growing, highly rhizomatous sod noted for lower leaf production. Seed in areas where the grasses specific characteristics are needed for the planting site.

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.