Germination of 80 percent and purity of 85 percent are reasonable 

 standards. Certified seed of Sherman big bluegrass is available 

 commercially from some Washington and Oregon seed dealers. 



Bulbous bluegrass (Toa bulbosa) is an introduced perennial bunchgrass 

 of small to medium size. Although not v;idely used in Montana, it 

 promises to fill sone special needs. It is a peculiar grass in that, 

 instead cf producing seed in the regular nanner, most of the seeds 

 develop without fertilization to form little bulbils similar to tiny 

 onion sets. It also produces basal bulbs which multiply and serve as a 

 further means of vegetative reproduction. It has a growth habit similar 

 to winter annuals such as cheatgrass and alfilaria, and makes most of 

 its growth during the fall, winter, and spring months. It will grow 

 on an extremely wide variety of sites although there is some evidence 

 that it v;ill not last long where long periods of extreme cold interfere 

 with winter development. Production is low in comparison to many other 

 grasses, but it is very palatable and nutritious and the "seed" heads 

 produce a considerable amount of nutritious grain which is readily taken 

 by stock. Its greatest redeeming feature is the fact that it is one 

 of the easiest of all species to establish on sites where it is adapted. 

 It is one of the few that will come into cheatgrass land unaided. 

 Probably its main use in Montana will be for broadcast seedings in 

 mixtures on skid trails and burned-over timberland. It is especially 

 adapted to such use because of its ability to establish itself without 

 benefit of covering. On moderately favorable conditions it yialds 

 fairly well and stays green much later into the summer than on very dry, 

 exposed sites. It has not been a consistent producer under our tests. 



Seed of bulbous bluegrass is inexpensive, and is usually available from 

 seed houses in southern Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. 



Kentuck y bluegrass (Poa prate nsis) , the common lawn grass for the 

 northern half of the united States, was introduced from Europe in 

 colonial times- It is a very vigorous, long-lived, aggressive, perennial 

 sod former of medium height. The forage is highly nutritious and 

 palatable and, when moisture conditions are favorable, is produced 

 abundantly and continuously from early spring to late fall. It is 

 favorei by good moisture and rich soils, is shade and cold tolerant, 

 and seems well adapted for moderate tc good sites from low to high ele- 

 vations. It is one of the most tolerant to grazing and commonly replaces 

 the taller grasses on irrigated pastures and creek bottoms that are 

 overgrazed. Seed is available at moderate prices. There are more than 

 2 million seeds per pound. Good viability is usually maintained for 

 only 2 or 3 years. 



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