PHLEUM PRATENSE 



223 



by the lemma and palet. Self-fertilization usually occurs in 

 timothy, although cross-fertilization may also take place. 



It is customary to cut timothy while it is in bloom or just 

 past bloom, for at this time the yield of dry matter is greater 

 than at any other stage of maturity. This is due to the loss 

 of leaves and the movement of food materials to the roots 

 which follow the blooming period. 



Fig. 85. 



-Timothy (Phleum pratense). A, single spikelet; B, spikelet with 

 glumes removed; C, pistil. 



Environmental Relations. — Timothy thrives best in a moist 

 and cool climate; it is not grown south of the 36° latitude, 

 except at high elevations. It is unable to endure hot, dry 

 summers, such as exist in the Great Plains and intermountain 

 areas. It is an important. crop at high altitudes in the Rocky 

 Mountains, where it is usually mixed with Alsike clover. 



It will grow on both clay and loam soils, and does best 

 when lime is present. 



Closely Related Species, — Mountain timotliy {Phleum alpinum) is common 

 in meadows from Labrador to Alaska, in the mountains of both the East and 

 the West, also Europe, Asia, and temperate South America. The inflores- 



