Timothy-grass
From Freepedia
| Timothy-grass | ||||||||||||||
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| Image:Timothee in bloei Phleum pratense.jpg | ||||||||||||||
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| Phleum pratense L. |
Timothy-grass (Phleum pratense) is an abundant perennial grass native to most of Europe except for the Mediterranean. It grows to 80-150 cm tall, with leaves up to 45 cm long and 1 cm broad. The flowerhead is 7-15 cm long and 8-10 mm broad, with densely packed spikelets.
Timothy-grass can be confused with Meadow Foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis) and Purple-stem Cat's-tail (Phleum phleoides). It is commonly grown for cattle feed and as hay for horses and guinea pigs; it is relatively high in fibre, especially when cut late. Its pollen is a common allergen.
Timothy-grass takes its name from Timothy Hanson, an American farmer who promoted the cultivation of this plant about 1720.
