10 MISC. PUBLICATION 194, U. S. DEPT, OF AGRICULTURE 



seeding, the season of the year when they may be expected to furnish 

 grazing, and other pertinent facts affecting their grazing value. No 

 attempt has been made to include native grasses the seed of which 

 is not available commercially. 



NORTHERN PASTURE GRASSES 



There are a great many grasses to choose from in planning pasture 

 mixtures for the humid areas of the Northern States. Those commonly 

 used are bromegrass, Canada bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, meadow 

 fescue, orchard grass, perennial ryegrass, redtop, tall oatgrass, and 

 timothy. In the more arid regions, bromegrass, crested wheatgrass, 

 and slender wheatgrass are most useful in tame pastures. 



Bromegrass ranks high in palatability and is in extensive use in the 

 northern part of the Corn Belt. It wdll withstand summer droughts 

 and is an ideal grass to grow with alfalfa for either pasture or hay. 

 The origin of the seed may affect its growth habits and stand main- 

 tenance. Northern-grown strains are not so well adapted to the 

 central latitudes as local strains. 



Canada bluegrass is particularly well adapted to the poorer soils 

 of section 1-a, where it constitutes a valuable addition to pasture 

 mixtures for such soils. It makes a thin, wdry growth, but is readily 

 grazed and appears to be very nutritious. It will not withstand 

 close, continuous grazing. 



Kentucky bluegrass is the most important of all the introduced 

 grasses from a pasture standpoint; and, because of its use on lawns, 

 it is most widely distributed. In many sections of the Northern 

 States it appears spontaneously in fields that are not cultivated for 

 several years. Advantage may be taken of this characteristic to omit 

 seed of it from pasture mixtures in natural bluegrass areas, if soil 

 conditions are favorable. 



Meadow fescue is a desirable pasture and hay plant in section 5-a, 

 in the mountain meadows of section 4-a, and in the western part of sec- 

 tion 1-b. It can be grown almost anywhere in region 1, but seedings 

 east of Missouri, Iowa, and Minnesota are generally short-lived. 

 Taller growing strains are being developed which are longer lived and 

 appear to be more drought resistant. One of these new strains, Alta 

 fescue, is being increased in commercial quantities in Oregon, and it 

 may prove to be of value in sections 1-a and 1-b. 



Meadow foxtail is not so well known as the other grasses recom- 

 mended for pasture seeding. It has been found most useful on wet 

 soils in section 5-a. It thrives in the high altitudes of section 4-a, and 

 its extensive use on wet soils in region 1 is justified. 



Perennial ryegrass is common in section 5-a where most of the 

 domestic-grown seed is produced. It is adapted to the Northeastern 

 States for permanent and rotation pastures, and to humid regions 

 where summer temperatures are not excessive. It is not adapted 

 to the Central and Southern States with long dry periods and high 

 temperatures. This grass gives good grazing and will make desirable 

 hay. 



Reed canary grass is an excellent grass for wet lands, especially 

 those subject to overflow. It is a northern grass and probably will be 

 of most value in sections 1-a and 5-a. 



