Synonyms: Orchardgrass.
Orchard Grass is a non-native grass that is common across Maryland. This spring blooming grass can be found in open sunny habitats, like roadsides and meadows. It was first introduced to the United States in the late 1700's in hay and foraging material for livestock. It is still commonly planted as forage material for livestock, and is now established throughout most of the United States.
Orchard Grass typically grows to an erect three to four feet. The dense groupings of spikelets at the ends of the branches and stems make for easy identification.
Look for Orchard Grass along open roadsides, meadows, and on the edges of agricultural and fallow fields.
Host plant for European Skipper. Zabulon Skippers were observed ovipositing on Orchard Grass in Connecticut (The Butterflies of Massachusetts). A major cause of Hay Fever! Some people experience a rash from contact with the pollen (J. Stasz, pers. comm.).
There are 477 records in the project database.
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