Dactylis glomerata
cock's foot
A widespread native grass found in meadows and pastures, open woodland, rough spaces and roadside verges. The robust, flattened stems can reach 1.2m, with relatively broad, coarse leaves that are food for many butterfly and moth caterpillars, and the leaf bases build up into substantial tussocks creating good overwintering habitat for wildlife. Distinctive flowers appear in summer and consist of densely clustered, green spikelets on branched stems, with conspicuous cream, pink or purple anthers providing valuable pollen for bees and other insects
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous or Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
A vigorous grass, tolerant of a wide range of conditions but thiving in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Grown as fodder for livestock
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to leaf spot and rust, but generally disease-free
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