146 



PRINCIPAL INTRODUCED FORAGE GRASSES 



of excessive rainfall, as in parts of Florida and along the Gulf 



coast of Texas. In the central 

 and northern portions of the 

 cotton region and in the drier 

 portions of Texas and Arkan- 

 sas Sudangrass is a valuable 

 hay plant. 



Tall Oatgrass. — Tall oat- 

 grass {Arrhenatherum elatius), 

 also known as Randall grass, 

 is a tall-growing perennial 

 bunchgrass, with narrow pan- 

 icles resembling the common 

 oat (Fig. 46). It is a native 

 of Europe and is grown to a 

 limited extent for hay and 

 pasture in this country. 



As the plant does not form 

 a sod, the best results are ob- 

 tained when it is sown in com- 

 bination with other grasses. 

 The most luxuriant growth is 

 enjoyed in mild climates of the 

 South. Here it matures with 

 the earhest of the grasses, and 

 when it is cut early an excel- 

 lent aftermath of pasture is 

 produced. Also, in the South, 

 as the growth continues late 

 in the fall, the plant furnishes 

 good winter pasture. The 

 seed habits are strong. 



For hay the plant is not 

 highly satisfactory because of 

 its low palatability. Tall 



oatgrass is valued chiefly because of its hardiness and the early 



pasture feed which it furnishes. 



Fig. 46. 



(U.S. Dept. ofAgr.) 

 ■TALL OATGRASS (Arrhenatherum 

 elalius). 



