Dactylis Facts
Dactylis Facts
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Interesting Dactylis Facts: |
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Dactylis has erect stem that can reach 1 to 4 feet in height. |
Dactylis has strong, fibrous (non-rhizomatous) root system. |
Dactylis produces green to bluish green leaves with rough margins. Leaves have pointed tips and V-shaped base. Prominent central ridge can be seen on the bottom side of each leaf. |
Dactylis produces small, green or reddish-colored flowers that are born on top of the stem. Flowers are arranged in one-sided, triangular, multi-branched clusters (panicles) that are characterized by stiff branches. Seed heads are made of compressed leafy shoots and spikelets (secondary spikes, composed of 2 to 8 florets). Seed heads are 2 to 8 inches long. |
Dactylis blooms from June to September. Flowers are designed for the pollination by wind. |
Mature seed heads are grey-brown colored. Dactylis produces large number of elongated seed. |
Dactylis propagates via seed. |
Name "dactylis" refers to the inflorescence made of stiff branches that look like fingers ("dactylos" means "finger" in Greek). |
Dactylis is also known as "cocksfoot" in Europe and Australia, due to shape of its seed heads which resemble the shape of cock's foot. |
Dactylis is cultivated as a source of food for cattle. It can be used as hay, silage and green chop. |
Dactylis has high nutritional value. It is rich source of sugar, fibers and proteins. Dactylis can provide equal amount of nutrients as alfalfa, trefoil and many types of clover. |
Elk and deer like to graze dactylis when it is young and green. Seed represents important source of food for the wild birds. Many butterfly species lay eggs on dactylis, which serves as basic source of food for the caterpillars. |
Dactylis can be used in the control of erosion thanks to its extensive root system. |
Dactylis produces light-weight pollen that can trigger hay fever in sensitive individuals. |
Dactylis is perennial plant (life span: more than 2 years). |
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