Dactylis glomerata

Dactylis glomerata_Orchardgrass_ JM Di Tomaso
Photo: Joseph DiTomaso

Common names: orchard grass

Dactylis glomerata (orchard grass) is an aggressive perennial grass (family Poaceae) widespread throughout California. It grows in any type of soil, is drought resistant, and can overrun some grasslands. Orchard grass is a desirable pasture grass but has escaped cultivation in many natural areas throughout the United States.

Cal-IPC Rating: Limited?

CDFA Rating: None?

Assessment(s)

Plant Assessment Form - Information gathered by Cal-IPC on the impacts, rate of spread, and distribution of invasive plants in California. Does not include management information.

Weed Management Notes

  • Management Notes - Information on management techniques and effectiveness from the University of California Cooperative Extension’s Weed Research & Information Center.

Cal-IPC Newsletter Articles

There are no newsletter articles associated with this species yet.

Cal-IPC Symposium Presentations

Presentations are linked where available. Where a presentation is not available, find more information by reading the abstract in the Cal-IPC Symposia Archive.

Other Dactylis glomerata Information

  • CalPhotos - Images of plants taken mostly in California.
  • Calflora - Distribution map and records of this species in California.
  • CalWeedMapper - Distribution map of this species in California with ability to determine regional priorities.
  • EDDMapS - Distribution of this species in North America.
  • Jepson Interchange - Information on this plant's taxonomy, biology, and distribution from UC Berkeley's Jepson Herbarium.
  • USDA PLANTS Database - Information on identification and distribution, with links to websites in individual states.
  • Additional photos

    Dactylis glomerata_leaf blade and sheath_ZoyaAkulova
    Dactylis glomerata (orchard grass) leaf blade and sheath. Photo: Zoya Akulova
    Dactylis glomerata_inflorescence_ZoyaAkulova
    Dactylis glomerata (orchard grass) inflorescence. Photo: Zoya Akulova
    Dactylis glomerata_growth habit_BarryBreckling
    Dactylis glomerata (orchard grass) growth habit. Photo: Barry Breckling