Description

Potomac Orchardgrass is a productive, persistent, rust-resistant cultivar that produces good yields but matures too early to be compatible with alfalfa for hay. When alfalfa is ready to cut, Potomac Orchardgrass is too mature to produce good quality hay. Potomac Orchardgrass is a bunch-type, tall-growing, cool-season perennial grass. It is one of the most productive cool-season grasses, tolerant to shade, fairly drought resistant with moderate winter hardiness. Potomac Orchardgrass does not exhibit as much tolerance to drought or winter hardiness as tall fescue and bromegrass.

The primary use of orchardgrass is for pasture and hay forage production. It is highly palatable to all classes of livestock. It is one of the best forage grasses for use in the Northern states under intensive rotational grazing systems. It is compatible with many legumes and with some grasses such as perennial ryegrass and tall fescue. The life cycles of orchardgrass and alfalfa match well.