Dactylis glomerata

CONTROL

Family: Poaceae (Grass).

Other Common Names: Orchard grass, Orchardgrass, Cocksfoot

Origin: Europe.

Growth Form / Reproduction: Perennial bunchgrass. Seeds.

Legal Status: Community Charters Act.

Impacts:
Agricultural: Important agronomic plant for hay and pastures.
Ecological: Common in Garry Oak ecosystems where it can complete directly with native vegetation. Dense litter produced by this plant also may hinder regeneration of native plants.
Human: Used in grass-seed mixes for erosion control on clearings and road cuts.

Habitat: Dry meadows, Garry Oak woodlands, pastures, roadsides and disturbed areas; both shade and drought tolerant.

Status and Distribution: Widely distributed throughout most of the CIPC area and is most common on the southern half of Vancouver Island.

Management Strategy: A number of controls have been used for managing orchard-grass in Garry Oak ecosystems. Flaming with a roof torch, or cutting below the plant crown can be used on isolated plants or small patches. Mowing can be used on larger areas after the wild flowers have bloomed but repeated mowing is required annually and over several years. Ploughing or the use of barriers such as landscape fabric is recommended in areas with no native species. All treatment methods to be followed with immediate seeding or planting of native species and sites require monitoring afterwards. Biocontrol agents are not available.