Description

Orchardgrass is an introduced, perennial, cool-season bunch grass.  It is highly palatable and nutritious to all  livestock and is widely used for pasture and hay production.  It is compatible with legumes and other grasses and is frequently planted with alfalfa.  It is also desirable forage for deer and elk.  Orchardgrass creates a dense network of roots that makes it useful for erosion control under suitable climactic conditions.   It is winter-hardy and will tolerate a range of soil types, though it is not adapted to saline soils or soils that are saturated for extended periods.   Typically Orchardgrass a heavy producer in the spring, though frequent spring frosts will limit production.