Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) is a common perennial weed of turf, and can be a contaminant in commercial tall fescue seed. The leaves are a characteristic blue-green color, and the seedhead is easy to distinguish from other grasses. In addition, there is a prominent midvein on the underside of the leaves, and the ligule is membranous.

Perennial grass weeds are not desirable as turfgrass species under any conditions. Therefore, every effort should be made to prevent these weedy grasses from becoming established in turf, as selective control measures are usually difficult. Selection of adapted turfgrass species and cultivars and the use of cultural practices are important in minimizing weedy grass encroachment and competition. Management practices include: (1) mowing at the recommended height for the selected turfgrass and removing clippings when seedheads of grassy weeds are present; (2) applying the proper amount of nitrogen at the correct time according to the turfgrass present; and (3) using soil tests to determine needed nutrients and lime.

• SEEDHEAD / FLOWER
  • panicle seedhead has stiff branches
    Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 6
• VERNATION TYPE
  • leaves folded in the bud
    Figure 7
• LIGULE TYPE
  • membranous; 0.12 - 0.4 inches (3 - 10 mm) long, collar-like, often with short needle-like projection at the top
    Figure 8, Figure 9, Figure 10, Figure 11
• GROWTH SEASON / LIFE CYCLE
  • perennial weed
• AURICLE TYPE
  • absent
• LEAF BLADE TIP SHAPE
  • sharp-pointed; V-shaped in cross section at base, sharply creased below, deep furrow over midrib, edges rough; lower surface dull, not glossy
    Figure 12, Figure 13
• LEAF BLADE WIDTH
  • 0.24 - 0.47 inches (6 - 12 mm) wide
• STOLON PRESENCE
  • absent
• RHIZOME PRESENCE
  • absent
• COLLAR TYPE
  • divided; distinct, not hairy
    Figure 14
• SHEATH MARGIN
  • mostly open part way
• SHEATH TYPE
  • flattened; sheath is smooth to somewhat rough; distinctly flattened

Figure 1. Orchardgrass seedhead.

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Figure 1. Orchardgrass seedhead.

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Figure 2. Orchardgrass seedhead.

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Figure 2. Orchardgrass seedhead.

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Figure 3. Orchardgrass seedhead.

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Figure 3. Orchardgrass seedhead.

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Figure 4. Orchardgrass seedhead.

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Figure 4. Orchardgrass seedhead.

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Figure 5. Orchardgrass seedhead.

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Figure 5. Orchardgrass seedhead.

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Figure 6. Orchardgrass seedhead.

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Figure 6. Orchardgrass seedhead.

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Figure 7. Orchardgrass vernation.

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Figure 7. Orchardgrass vernation.

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Figure 8. Orchardgrass ligule.

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Figure 8. Orchardgrass ligule.

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Figure 9. Orchardgrass ligule.

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Figure 9. Orchardgrass ligule.

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Figure 10. Orchardgrass ligule.

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Figure 10. Orchardgrass ligule.

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Figure 11. Orchardgrass ligule.

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Figure 11. Orchardgrass ligule.

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Figure 12. Orchardgrass leaf blade tip.

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Figure 12. Orchardgrass leaf blade tip.

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Figure 13. Orchardgrass leaf blade tip.

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Figure 13. Orchardgrass leaf blade tip.

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Figure 14. Orchardgrass collar.

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Figure 14. Orchardgrass collar.

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