Description

Shiny, dark green, short-lived, perennial bunchgrass with smooth leaves. Grows 2 to 4 feet tall in seed head stage. Underside of leaves is glossy. Forage types have broad, coarse leaves. Turf types are lower growing and have narrower, finer-bladed leaves that resemble bluegrass.

Uses

Pasture, hay, and erosion control.

Advantages

High nutritive quality and palatability, excellent seedling vigor, high yields.

Disadvantages

Short stand life (two to three years). Stands are damaged by high temperatures and drought.

Seeding

Rate: 15-25 lb/a
Depth: ¼-½ in
Primary Date: Aug 15-Oct 1
Secondary Date: Feb 1-Apr 15

Harvest

First harvest: Apr 20-May 15
Annual yield: 2-4 tons dry matter/a

Publications

• Forage Identification and Use Guide
• Grain & Forage Crop Guide for Kentucky