Kingdom:Plantae

(unranked):Angiosperms

(unranked):Monocots

(unranked):Commelinids

Order:Poales

Family:Poaceae

Genus:Phleum

Species:P. pratense

Binomial name

Phleum pratenseL.

Timothy-grass[1] (Phleum pratense), is an abundant perennial grass native to most of Europe except for the Mediterranean region. It is also known as meadow cat's-tail and common cat's tail[2]It is one of the phleum genus of about 15 species of annual and perennial grasses.It is probably so named after Timothy Hanson, a US farmer and agriculturalist said to have introduced it from New England to the southern states in the early 18th century.[3][4]. Upon his recommendation it became a major source of hay and cattle fodder to British farmers in the mid 18th century.[5]Timothy-grass can be confused with Meadow Foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis) and Purple-stem Cat's-tail (Phleum phleoides).

Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) Plant SpeciesFrom Montana Interagency Plant Materials Handbook *By S. Smoliak, R.L. Ditterline, J.D. Scheetz, L.K. Holzworth, J.R. Sims, L.E. Wiesner, D.E. Baldridge, and G.L. TibkeOrchardgrass is an introduced, long-lived, perennial bunchgrass. It was introduced into North America from Europe about 1760, and is now common throughout the continent, where it occupies an important place as a cultivated grass for hay and pasture. It is commonly found growing in the shade of orchards, which undoubtedly led to its most widely-known, common name. In Europe it is called "cock's foot," which is descriptive of its characteristic seed head shape. Description Orchardgrass is a medium- to long-lived, perennial bunchgrass with a dense, deep, fibrous root system. Unless grazed or mowed, it grows in clumps to form tussocks. It is readily distinguished by its large circular bunches, folded leaf-blades and compressed sheaths. The soft, light-green leaves are predominantly basal, with some leaves on the flowering culm. Seeds are borne in a moderately compact-to-open panicle, 4 to 10 inches long, on a stalk 2 to 5 feet tall. Tillering occurs almost continuously, and within a single clump, tillers will be in all stages of development. Total root production is at least 5,000 pounds per acre in the upper 8 inches of soil. Spring growth begins in late March or early April, and is not checked by high summer temperatures. This grass develops about one month earlier than timothy. Adaptation Orchardgrass is grown, to some extent, in nearly every state in the Union. Its greatest abundance is in the Pacific Northwest and northeastern states. It is not as winterhardy as some other pasture species, but does well where there is sufficient snow cover. This grass is adapted to subhumid or irrigated conditions on medium-textured, well-drained, fertile soils that are calcareous, neutral or medium acid. Under dryland conditions, it requires 18 to 25 inches annual precipitation, with the exception of `Paiute,' which was specifically selected for its drought hardiness. Limitations The lack of winterhardiness limits the use of orchardgrass in parts of the northern United States and Canada; however, more hardy cultivars are being developed. Orchardgrass requires soil with good internal drainage, thriving in low-lying areas only if well drained. It will tolerate only moderate salinity, and most cultivars will not tolerate prolonged dry periods. Use for Hay

Orchardgrass grows tall enough for easy harvesting of a hay crop. Although it is aggressive, its bunch habit of growth allows legumes to grow well in mixtures, provided the seeding rate is not too high. Orchardgrass grown alone will give an average hay yield from 1 to 2 tons per acre of hay, but when grown with clover or alfalfa, yields of 2 to 3 tons per acre can be expected. When grown with a legume, the nitrogen requirements are greatly reduced. Regrowth is rapid, and it will provide good yields as a second cutting or provide good late summer grazing. Harvesting should be done when the orchardgrass is fully headed, but prior to bloom. Use for Pasture Orchardgrass is a preferred pasture forage wherever it is adapted because of its early spring growth and its rapid recovery following grazing. It has excellent regrowth during the hot summer months when other grasses are not as productive. With adequate moisture, fall growth is good. The best yields from orchardgrass or orchardgrass-legume pastures are achieved when livestock are allowed to graze when growth is about 8 to 9 inches high, and taken out when the stubble height reaches 4 inches. Since the main food storage of orchardgrass is in the lower stems and leaf parts, it does not tolerate close and continuous grazing. Seed Production The seed of orchardgrass generally matures during the middle of July. Upon maturity, the seed head will turn yellow, although the culms and leaves remain green. Seed can be direct combined or combined from a windrow. If direct combining, the header should be raised as high as possible to avoid running the still succulent stems and leaves through the machine. Seed readily shatters when ripe. Seed yield of 400 to 500 pounds per acre can be expected on irrigated sites, with reported yields as high as 1,000 lbs/acre. Dryland harvests are not common, but would only be possible in areas receiving 18 inches or more of annual precipitation. Seed yields respond well to nitrogen fertilization. Facts About Fescue GrassThe fescue grasses are cool season grasses that are adapted to the transition zone of the USA and into Canada. The fescue grass species are easily seeded and include the sub species of broader leaved, bunching grasses named tall fescue and the group of finer leaved shorter fescue grass named Fine Fescue. Fine fescue grass species are creeping red, hard fescue, chewings fescue and sheep fescue. Fescue grass varieties are drought tolerant, require less fertilizer, develop a deep root system and thus are eco friendly. Pennington takes tall fescue up another notch in the environmental ladder with the release of the Tall Fescue Blend Smart Seed with natural microorganisms.Unlike the majority of cool season grasses, Fescue grasses are shade tolerant and perform well in the lower areas of the transition zone where the season is too hot for the other cool grasses and in the area of the transition zone that is too cold in the winter for the warm season grasses. Fescue grass seed are also found in many seed mixtures with grasses such as Kentucky Bluegrass and Ryegrass varieties. You can find information on these fescue blends in the menu on the right here or in our online store Seedland.com.All of the fescue grass varieties share the same characteristics when planted in the areas of Fescue Grass Adaptation. The three dominant ones being shade tolerance, staying green all year, and having very good drought resistance. Fine Fescues are more cold and shade tolerant than Tall Fescue, but both are used though-out much of the Central to Northern USA states.Fescue grass fills a large gap in the grass field created by the climate differences that are not fully defined by zone. Fine Fescues are readily used in mixtures with the Kentucky bluegrass varieties for summer northern lawns and with the warm season grasses in winter lawns. Both Fine and Tall Fescues can remain green all year long in the cooler climates. They usually will become dormant in the areas too hot during the summer or too cold in winter and will show a paler green color at these times. Fescues are also used in overseeding warm and cool grass lawns.Smooth Bromegrass (Bromus inermis) Plant SpeciesFrom Montana Interagency Plant Materials Handbook *By S. Smoliak, R.L. Ditterline, J.D. Scheetz, L.K. Holzworth, J.R. Sims, L.E. Wiesner, D.E. Baldridge, and G.L. TibkeSmooth bromegrass is a rapid-developing, long-lived, sod-forming, introduced grass with good seedling vigor and subject to "sod-binding." Smooth bromegrass is the most widely grown of the cultivated bromegrasses. This grass has been cultivated since its first introduction into the United States in the 1880's. Bromegrass varieties may be divided into two groups, "northern" and "southern"'. The northern type is believed to have its origin in Russia, and the southern in Hungary. The varieties in each group have certain characteristics in common: Description Smooth bromegrass is a long-lived, sod-forming perennial. It develops a deep root system which accounts in part for its tolerance to drought and heat. Stems are generally 2 to 4 feet long, but only half the tillers produce stems. It is a cool-season grass that produces leafy, vegetative growth early in the season and stems with large panicles in early summer. Bromegrass seedlings may be identified by their long, narrow, hairy leaves, which usually are gently twisted in a clockwise direction. As the plant becomes older, the first of lower leaf sheaths wither and die; the new leaves are broader and less hairy. A slight growth constriction may occur on these leaves, forming a configuration resembling an "M" or a "W." This characteristic, however, is not always evident. One of the characteristics of this grass is the rapidity with which it becomes "sod-bound." Ryegrass (Lolium) is a genus of nine species of tufted grasses in the Pooideae subfamily of the Poaceae family. They are characterized by bunch-like growth habits. Also called tares (even though there is no firm evidence that this is the same as the plant given that name in English language translations of the Bible (as in the "Parable of the Tares") - vetches are another candidate), these plants are native to Europe, Asia and northern Africa, but are widely cultivated and naturalized elsewhere. Ryegrasses are naturally diploid, with 2n = 14, and are closely related to the fescues Festuca.Ryegrass should not be confused with rye, which is a grain crop.Kingdom: Plantae (unranked): Angiosperms (unranked): Commelinids Order: Poales Family: Poaceae Subfamily: Pooideae Genus: LoliumL.PERENNIAL RYEGRASS LAWNS are one of the best lower maintenance lawns of the cool season grasses. This is one of the toughest and most wearable turf covers that can be grown. Ryegrass is noted for quick germination, shiny green color, fine texture (newer turf type varieties) and dense forming sod. High disease and insect resistance helps to make perennial ryegrass one of the leading choices for lawn and athletic covers in north America. Used as permanent turfs and in overseeding warm season grasses while they are in winter dormancy.Perennial is also mixed with other cool season grasses to provide more density to the dominate grass in the mixture. Perennial ryegrass is often added to Kentucky bluegrass to add strength and give bluegrass time to repair while the perennial is in full growth. These two grass species can be mown at the same height and retain a sod density for which both are well known. Although bluegrass needs more fertilizer, the perennial will respond to additional amounts without any damage.ANNUAL RYEGRASS is a cool season grass generally used as a temporary planting for overseeding warm or cool season grasses. Its uses are many, including temporary pastures, green manure's, temporary coverage for erosion control, short term use on reclamation sites, parks, new lawns, and along highway shoulders. Annual ryegrass may be seeded with other grass mixtures, legumes, clovers and small grains. Fast germinating, quick growing and requires low to medium fertilization.Phalaris arundinacea, sometimes known as reed canarygrass, is a tall, perennial bunchgrass that commonly forms extensive single-species stands along the margins of lakes and streams and in wet open areas, with a wide distribution in Europe, Asia, northern Africa and North America.[1] Other common names for the plant include gardener's-garters in English, alpiste roseau in French, rohrglanzgras in German, kusa-yoshi in Japanese, canio-malhado in Portuguese, and hierba cinta and pasto cinto in SpanishDescriptionThe stems can reach 2 meters in height.[3] The leaf blades are usually green, but may be variegated. The panicles are up to 30 centimeters long.[3] The spikelets are light green, often streaked with darker green or purple.[4] This is a perennial grass which spreads underground by its thick rhizomesMeadow Foxtail Grass

Alopecurus pratensis

The resemblance that Meadow Foxtail bears to Timothy might be confusing were it not that the former, being one of the first grasses to mature its seed, begins to bloom a month before the green spikes of Timothy appear.

The whole plant is more soft than is Timothy, the leaves shorter and borne on somewhat inflated sheaths, and the spikes are slightly softer, broader, and shorter than are the stiff, rough heads of the later-flowering grass.

Meadow all soils but the driest, and after the early growth of May and June it yields later a luxuriant aftermath.

Meadow Foxtail. Alopecurus pratensis

Perennial, with short rootstocks. Naturalized from Europe.

Stem 1-3 ft. tall, erect, not branched. Sheaths loose. Ligule very short. Leaves 1'-4' long, 1"-3" wide, flat, rough or nearly smooth.

Spike (spike-like panicle) 1'-4' long, cylindrical, green, densely flowered, 4"-6" in diameter. Spikelets 1-flowered, compressed, 2"-3" long. Scales 3; outer scales acute, equal, united at the base, hairy on the keels; flowering scales nearly as long as empty scales, thin and translucent, obtuse, bearing a slender, dorsal awn about 3" long; palet often lacking. Stamens 3. Stigmas long.

Fields and meadows. May to July.BentgrassKingdom:Plantae(unranked):Angiosperms(unranked):Monocots(unranked):CommelinidsOrder:PoalesFamily:PoaceaeGenus:Agrostis L.Agrostis (bent or bentgrass) is a genus of over 100 species belonging to the grass family Poaceae[1], commonly referred to as the bent grasses. Among this group are some of the main traditional lawn grasses.Wheatgrass is a food prepared from the cotyledons of the common wheat plant, Triticum aestivum. It is sold either as a juice or powder concentrate. Wheatgrass differs from wheat malt in that it is served freeze-dried or fresh, while wheat malt is convectively dried. Wheatgrass is also allowed to grow longer than malt is. It provides chlorophyll, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and enzymes. Claims about the health benefits of wheatgrass range from providing supplemental nutrition to having unique curative properties. Some consumers grow and juice wheatgrass in their homes. It is often available in juice bars, alone or in mixed fruit or vegetable drinks. It is also available in many health food stores as fresh produce, tablets, frozen juice and powder. Wheatgrass contains no wheat gluten.Cynodon dactylon (syn. Panicum dactylon, Capriola dactylon), also known as drv grass, Bermuda grass, bermudagrass, dubo, dog's tooth grass, Bahama grass, devil's grass, couch grass, Indian doab, arugampul, grama, and scutch grass, is a grass native to north and east Africa, Asia, Australia and southern Europe.[citation needed] Although it is not native to Bermuda, it is an abundant invasive species there. It is presumed to have arrived in North America from Bermuda, resulting in its common name.[citation needed]The blades are a grey-green colour and are short, usually 215 cm (0.795.9 in) long with rough edges.[1] The erect stems can grow 130 cm (0.3912 in) tall. The stems are slightly flattened, often tinged purple in colour. The seed heads are produced in a cluster of two to six spikes together at the top of the stem, each spike 25 cm (0.792.0 in) long.[1] It has a deep root system; in drought situations with penetrable soil, the root system can grow to over 2 m deep, though most of the root mass is less than 60cm under the surface. The grass creeps along the ground and roots wherever a node touches the ground, forming a dense mat. C. dactylon reproduces through seeds, runners, and rhizomes. Growth begins at temperatures above 15 C (59F) with optimum growth between 24 and 37 C (75and 99F); in winter, the grass becomes dormant and turns brown. Growth is promoted by full sun and retarded by full shade, e.g., close to tree trunksPaspalum notatum, also known as Bahia Grass, Common Bahia, or Pensacola Bahia, is a tropical to subtropical perennial grass (family Poaceae). It is notable for its prominent dual, V-shaped inflorescence consisting of two spike-like racemes containing multiple tiny spikelets, each about 2.8-3.5mm long.This grass is low-growing and creeping with stolons and stout, scaly rhizomes. Stolons are pressed firmly to the ground, have short internodes, and root freely from the nodes forming a dense sod. The flat, tough-textured leaves are usually hairless, with blades 26mm wide. They are flat, folded, and inrolled, tapering to a fine point. The leaf bases at the terminus of each rhizome usually have a purplish hue. Stems usually reach 2075cm tall.The terminal dual racemes are each attached to the top of a slender stem or with one slightly below the other. Infrequently, there may be a third present below the terminal ones. The spikelets closely overlap in two rows. They are broad, rounded, smooth and shiny. Inside each spikelet is a tiny flower. The tiny, black, featherlike stigmas and black stamens can be seen dangling at the tips of these flowers.Bahia grass is native to Mexico and South America, but has been naturalized in North America and other places. It prefers sandy soils and is tolerant of shade. It is also fairly hardy, tolerating salty conditions and drought extremely well. Plants seed from June to November.This grass is used primarily as a forage. The nutritive value remains high when mature, but it is not very productive. It is also valued as an erosion-controlling soil stabilizer, as well as for its productivity, ease of establishment and persistence. It makes a relatively low-maintenance turfgrass as well, with less disease and insect problems than some of the other warm season grasses.Axonopus is a genus of grasses known generally as carpetgrass. They are native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas.[1] They are sometimes rhizomatous and many are tolerant of periodic submersion.Selected species: Axonopus affinis - narrowleaf carpetgrass Axonopus aureus - golden carpetgrass Axonopus compressus - broadleaf carpetgrass Axonopus fissifolius - common carpetgrass Axonopus furcatus - big carpetgrassSorghum halepense, commonly called Johnsongrass, is a plant in the grass family, Poaceae, native to the Mediterranean region, but growing throughout Europe and the Middle East. The plant has been introduced to all continents except Antarctica, and most larger islands and archipelagos. It reproduces by rhizomes and seeds.Johnsongrass has been used for forage and to stop erosion, but it is often considered a weed for the following reasons:1. Foliage that becomes wilted from frost or hot dry weather can contain sufficient amounts of hydrogen cyanide to kill cattle and horses if it is eaten in quantity.2. The foliage can cause 'bloat' in such herbivores from the accumulation of excessive nitrates; otherwise, it is edible.3. It grows and spreads so quickly that it can 'choke out' other cash crops that have been planted by farmers.This species occurs in crop fields, pastures, abandoned fields, rights-of-way, forest edges, and along streambanks. It thrives in open, disturbed, rich, bottom ground, particularly in cultivated fields. Johnsongrass resistant to the popular herbicide glyphosate has been found in Argentina and the United States.[1][2][3] It is considered to be one of the ten worst weeds in the world.[4]It is named after an Alabama plantation owner, Colonel William Johnson, who sowed its seeds on river-bottom farm circa 1840. The plant was already established in several US states a decade earlier, having been introduced as a prospective forage or accidentally as a seedlot contaminantDallisgrass: Paspalum dilatatumWeed Description: A clump-forming perennial with a tall membranous ligule and a seedhead with many finger-like branches. Dallisgrass is primarily a weed of turfgrass and lawns, but also occurs in pastures, roadsides, and occasionally agronomic crops.Identifying Characteristics: A perennial grass with short rhizomes, a tall ligule, and leaves with hairs near the collar only. The seedhead of dallisgrass may be confused with that of Broadleaf Signalgrass (Brachiaria platyphylla), however broadleaf signalgrass has much shorter, wider leaves and a much shorter ligule that is a fringe of hairs.Signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens)

trailing perennial tolerates heavy grazing for wide range of soils, but not waterlogging difficult to combine with legumes very responsive to good fertility.Brachiaria decumbens Stapf - 1 Habit leafy stems; 2 inflorescence. Signal grass (cv. Basilisk) is a low-growing decumbent perennial, with trailing stems that root at the nodes. It forms a dense soil cover, with a canopy usually under 40 cm when grazed. Signal grass is well adapted to a wide range of soils in the humid and sub-humid (down to 1000 mm annual rainfall) tropics, but also grows well in the coastal subtropics showing some tolerance of drought and cold. However, it cannot tolerate waterlogging for more than a short time, and Brachiaria humidicola is more suitable under these conditions. The dense cover of signal grass gives relatively weed-free pastures, but also prevents good compatability with twining or erect legumes. The most compatible legumes are the creeping hetero (Desmodium heterophyllum), which has to be planted with cuttings, and the forage peanuts (Arachis pintoi). Intensive grazing gives the best performance with high animal output as old leaf is not allowed to accumulate. Cool season pasture production can be increased by applying 100 kg/ha nitrogen at the end of autumn. Freshly harvested seed is dormant and should not be planted in that season. The large seed of signal grass establishes more easily than other small-seeded tropical pastures, and may allow rougher seed-beds. Signal grass seedlings are tolerant to a pre-emergence application of atrazineBuffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare)

Buffelgrass is a shrubby grass to 1.5 feet tall and 3 feet wide. It looks like a bunchgrass when small (either a seedling or recently burned, grazed, or cut). Older plants branch profusely and densely at nodes, giving mature plants a messy appearance. These nodal branches produce new leaves and flower spikes very quickly after light rains, making buffelgrass an extremely prolific seed producer. Some native grasses such as Arizona cottontop (Digitaria californica) branch sparsely and do not appear shrubby. Bush muhly (Muhlenbergia porteri) is a true densely-branched shrub; it differs from buffelgrass in its very delicate texture. Chloris gayana is a species of grass known by the common name Rhodes grass. It is native to Africa but it can be found throughout the tropical and subtropical world as a naturalized species.It can grow in many types of habitat. It is also cultivated in some areas as a palatable graze for animals and a groundcover to reduce erosion and quickly revegetate denuded soil.[1] It is tolerant of moderately saline and alkaline soils and irrigation.[2]DescriptionThis is a perennial grass which can reach one half to nearly three meters in height and spreads via stolons. It forms tufts and can spread into wide monotypic stands. The inflorescence is a single or double whorl of fingerlike racemes up to 15 centimeters long. Each spikelet in the raceme is a few millimeters long and contains one or two fertile florets and up to four sterile floretsPangola grassScientific name(s)Digitaria eriantha (formerly Digitaria decumbens)Strengths Palatable, productive, persistent Tolerant of heavy grazing, waterlogging, drought and fire Moderately tolerant of soil salinity and high aluminium. Spreads by runners and competes strongly with weeds Maintains good nutritive value even at maturityLimitations Vegetative planting only Recorded as having caused big head in horses Limited cool season growth Susceptible to pangola stunt virus and rust.Plant descriptionPlant: A mat-forming, creeping perennial, spreading by runners (stolons) that root at the nodes.Stems: The stolons are often reddish in colour, and tend to "loop" across the ground. Flowering stems are straw-coloured and grow to about 1.2m tall.Leaves: Largely hairless, tapering, 10 - 25 cm long and 2 - 7 mm wide.Seedhead: The flowering head extends above the leaves, with one or two rings of radiating branches at the top (cf. rhodes grass), each branch about 10cm long.Seeds: Although pangola produces "seedheads", it produces little (claimed 0.001%) or no viable seed.Pasture type and useUsed as permanent pasture, mostly for beef production.It makes excellent hay provided it is leafy and succulent when cut.It is well-suited to irrigation.Melinis minutiflora, commonly known as molasses grass, is a species of grass. It has been weedy in Australia, where it has been introduced.Minutiflora Melinis is a Perennial grass of genus Melinis . It is a native of Africa. It spreads in the form of mat. It presents stems erect up to 1.5 meters high. The leaves are covered with fragrant foliage and sticky, reddish inflorescence. It blooms for short periods. It is believed that the fresh smell ofM. minutiflora repels insects and snakes.It was introduced in tropical countries for livestock feed, for animal husbandry, and soon was naturalized. However, it is considered a invasive species in many parts of the world, is relevant to Pacific Islands, provided by the Global Compendium of Weeds (GCW), including Hawaii, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, and may have contributed to the disappearance of native species in different regions. It has been used, yet as pioneer species in poor soil planting and neutralizes other weeds that may appear.Exotic grasses are becoming increasingly abundant in Neotropical savannas, with Melinis minutiora Beauv. being particularly invasive. Tested the effect of this species on the establishment, survival and growth of seedlings of seven tree species native to the savannas and forests of the Cerrado region of Brazil. Seeds of the tree species were sown in 40 study plots, of which 20 were sites dominated by M. minutiora, and 20 were dominated by native grasses. The exotic grass had no discernable effect on initial seedling emergence, as dened by the number of seedlings present at the end of the rst growing season. Subsequent seedling survival in plots dominated by M. minutiora was less than half that of plots dominated by native species. Consequently, at the end of the third growing season, invaded plots had only 44% as many seedlings as plots with native grasses. Above-ground grass biomass of invaded plots was more than twice that of uninvaded plots, while seedling survival was negatively correlated with grass biomass, suggesting that competition for light may explain the low seedling survival where M. minutiora is dominant.Paspalum is a genus of the grass family (Poaceae). Commonly known as paspalums, bahiagrasses or dallis grasses most are tall perennial New World grasses. They are most diverse in subtropical and tropical regions.P. scrobiculatum (koda, varuka, varuku, etc.) is a millet locally grown as food grain. Some species, such as Bahia Grass (P. notatum) and P. nicorae, are grown for pasturage, especially with Perennial Forage Peanuts (Arachis glabrata) as companion crops. Bahiagrass has also some significance as a honey plant.Water Finger-grass (P. vaginatum) resembles Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), but has a higher salinity tolerance and can consume grey water. It is not infrequently used for arena and golf course turf in warmer coastal regions, e.g. in Baja California, Florida, Peru, Texas and Venezuela. Dedicated paspalum cultivars such as 'Aloha Seashore' or 'Platinum TE' have been produced for such uses.Bahiagrasses are also food for caterpillars of Lepidoptera such as the Pasture Day Moth (Apina callisto), or those of the Dark Palm Dart (Telicota ancilla) which feed on P. urvillei. Granivorous birds often eat paspalum seeds; the Chestnut-breasted Munia (Lonchura castaneothorax) for example is very fond of those of P. longifolium.Claviceps paspali is a Claviceps sac fungus that grows on Paspalum, producing ergot alkaloids and the tremorgen paspalitrem; it causes "paspalum staggers" poisoning in cattle. Tussock Paspalum (P. quadrifarium) is considered a weed in AustraliaCharacteristics of Kikuyu GrassKikuyu grass has been highly popular as a lawn in many environments in Australia for decades. It is inexpensive to purchase, require minimal lawn care to remain healthy, and grows and repairs quickly. However, lawn mowing frequencies will be higher than for any other turf species, often requiring lawn mowing every week in Summer. As well as requiring regular vertimowing to remove thatch build up. Kikuyu grass is also highly invasive of surrounding garden beds.Kikuyu lawn is widely used as the first choice for many community sporting ovals and schools in many states, the reasons for this choice are the same as listed in the attributes just mentioned, but the primary reason for this lawn choice is it's quick repair capabilities, required by the oval's use as a sporting venue, or play area.There is an equal if not greater objection to Kikuyu as their are proponents. Despite being widely used by Governments in Australia for sporting areas, Kikuyu grass is generally listed as a Noxious Weed, not only in Australia, but in many countries throughout the world.This reputation is generally deserved, as Kikuyu lawn is highly invasive of it's surrounding areas, it can creep over the top of, and cover other plants, killing them not only by removing it's sunlight, but also by invading it's root zone and emitting a toxicity to aid in killing it's rivals. Alfalfa (/lflf/; Medicago sativa) is a perennial flowering plant in the pea family Fabaceae cultivated as an important forage crop in the US, Canada, Argentina, France, Australia, the Middle East, South Africa, and many other countries. The English name is adopted from the Spanish, originally alfalfez, which in turn is derived from the Arabic al-fisfisa "fresh fodder". The Spanish name is widely used, particularly in the US but it is also known as lucerne in the UK, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, erba medica in Italy, meaning medical herb, luzerne in France, and lucerne grass in South Asian English. It superficially resembles clover, with clusters of small purple flowers followed by fruits spiralled in 2 to 3 turns containing 10-20 seeds. Alfalfa has been cultivated by humans since at least the 4th century CE and has some use in herbal medicine.Trifolium repens, the white clover (also known as Dutch clover), is a species of clover native to Europe, North Africa, and West Asia. It has been widely introduced worldwide as a pasture crop, and is now also common in most grassy areas of North America and New Zealand. White clovers are part of the pea family FabaceaeThe genus name, Trifolium, derives from the Latin tres, "three", and folium, "leaf", so called from the characteristic form of the leaf, which has three leaflets (trifoliate); hence the popular name trefoil.The species name, repens, is Latin for "creeping".GrowthIt is a herbaceous, perennial plant. It is low growing, with heads of whitish flowers, often with a tinge of pink or cream that may come on with the aging of the plant. The heads are generally 1.52cm wide, and are at the end of 7cm peduncles or flower stalks.[1] The leaves, which by themselves form the symbol known as shamrock, are trifoliolate, smooth, elliptic to egg-shaped and long-petioled. The stems function as stolons, so white clover often forms mats, with the stems creeping as much as 18cm a year, and rooting at the nodes.[1]Trifolium hybridum, alsike clover, is a plant species of the genus Trifolium in the pea family Fabaceae. The stalked, pale pink or whitish flower head grows from the leaf axils, and the trifoliate leaves are unmarked. The plant is 12 feet (3060 cm) tall, and is found in fields and on roadsides it is also grown as fodder (hay or silage). The plant blooms from spring to autumn (April to October in the northern hemisphere).[2] Originating in mainland Europe, it has become established as an introduced plant in the British Isles[1] and throughout the temperate regions of the world.[3] Despite its scientific name, alsike clover is not of hybrid origin. The plant gets its common name from the town of Alsike in SwedenMelilotus officinalis, known as the yellow sweet clover, yellow melilot, ribbed melilot or common melilot is a species of legume native to Eurasia and introduced in North America, Africa and Australia.Melilotus officinalis is biennial plant is 46 feet (1.21.8 m) high at maturity. The plant has a bitter taste.It blooms in spring and summer. Flowers are yellow. Its characteristic sweet odor, intensified by drying, is derived from coumarin.Trifolium subterraneum, the Subterranean clover often shortened to sub clover, is a species of clover native to northwestern Europe, from Ireland east to Belgium. The plant's name comes from its underground seed development, a characteristic not possessed by other clovers.It can thrive in poor-quality soil where other clovers cannot survive, and is grown commercially for animal fodder. There are three distinct subspecies used in agriculture, each with its own ideal climate andsoil type, allowing for wide distribution of the plant over varied environments. T. subterraneum subsp. subterraneum is the generalist subspecies, and it can be grown in the widest range of environments. T. subterraneum subsp. yanninicum is grown in moist areas that are prone to flooding. T. subterraneum subsp. brachycalycinum is a more sensitive plant, requiring dry, cracked soil for its germination.Some systematists consider the three plants to be separate species. There are many strains and varieties of these subspecies, but few are in wide use. The technique of mixing the subspecies in one field is popular as a method of ensuring a dense crop. Also, subterranean clover is sometimes mixed with alfalfa for a longer-lasting grazing pasture.This species is self-fertilizing, unlike most legume forage crops such as alfalfa and other clovers, which are pollinated by insects, especially honeybees. The flowers of subclover are often located beneath its leaves and are low in nectar, making access both difficult and unappealing for bees. These characteristics also make the plant less attractive to certain types of pest insects.Subterranean clover is one of the most commonly grown forage crops in Australia.[1] It is also grown in places such as California and Texas, where the extreme ranges of soil type and quality, rainfall, and temperature make the variable tolerances of subclover especially usefulLespedeza is a genus of some 40 species (including nothospecies) of flowering plants in the pea family (Fabaceae), commonly known as bush clovers or (particularly East Asian species) Japanese clovers. The genus is native to warm temperate to subtropical regions of eastern North America, eastern and southern Asia and Australasia.These shrubby plants or trailing vines belong to the "typical" legumes (Faboideae) like peas and beans, though within these they are part of another tribe, the Desmodieae. Therein, they are treated as type genus of the smaller subtribe Lespedezinae, which unites the present genus and its presumed closest relatives, Campylotropis and KummerowiaKudzuPueraria lobatais a plant in the genus Pueraria in the pea family Fabaceae, subfamily Faboideae. It is a climbing, coiling, and trailing vine native to southern Japan and southeast China. Its name comes from the Japanese name for the plant, KuzuWhere it occurs as an invasive species it is considered a noxious weed that climbs over trees or shrubs and grows so rapidly that it kills them by heavy shading.[1] The plant is edible, but often sprayed with herbicides.Kudzu spreads by vegetative expansion, via stolons (runners) that root at the nodes to form new plants and by rhizomes. Kudzu will also spread by seeds, which are contained in pods and mature in the autumn, although this is rare.[citation needed] One or two viable seeds are produced per cluster of pods. The hard-coated seeds may not germinate for several years, which can result in the reappearance of the species years after it was thought eradicated at a sitePerennial peanut, also referred to as ornamental peanut, is closely related to the common peanut (Arachis hypogaea) with which we are all familiar. However, it cannot be used to make peanut butter because no nuts are produced. Take heart, though, if edible qualities are to be considered. The yellow flowers add a nutty flavor andcrunchy textureto salads and stir fries. Perennial peanut does well in the lower regions of the South (Zones 8b to 11), extending from southeast Texas and around the coastal areas to southeast North Carolina. They are particularly well suited to the hot climate and sandy soils found in most of the region. Since their introduction in 1936, these Brazilian natives have performed admirably. Tolerance of salt spray, salt drift, and temporary flooding by salt water makes it even more suitable in areas where salt-laden breezes sweep in constantly from the Gulf of Mexico.Perennial peanut is frequently used as an ornamental groundcover. During the summer, a thick mat about six inches high out competes most weeds and undesirable plants and adds a sprinkling of attractive, yellow flowers. In places with winter frosts, the tops get killed to the ground. However, the plants re-emerge the following spring provided the rhizomes are not frozen. If a green cover is desired during the winter months in the northern portions of its range, overseeding with annual ryegrass will achieve the desired effect. Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) is a flowering plant in the genus Lathyrus in the family Fabaceae (legumes), native to the eastern Mediterranean.It is an annual climbing plant, growing to a height of 12 meters (nearly six feet and six inches), where suitable support is available. The leaves are pinnate with two leaflets and a terminal tendril, which twines around supporting plants and structures helping the sweet pea to climb. The flowers are purple, 2-3.5 centimeters broad, in the wild plant, larger and very variable in colour in the many cultivars.The annual species, L. odoratus, may be confused with the everlasting pea, L. latifolius, a perennial.[Gliricidia sepium, often simply referred to as Gliricidia (common names: Mata Ratn; Cacao de nance, Cachanance, it is commonly known as "Madreado" in Honduras; Kakawate in the Philippines; Madre Cacao or Madre de Cacao in the Philippines and Guatemala; and Madero negro in Nicaragua), is a medium size leguminous tree belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is considered as the second most important multi-purpose legume tree, surpassed only by Leucaena leucocephala.[1]Gliricidia sepium is a medium-sized tree and can grow to from 10 to 12 meters high. The bark is smooth and its color can range from a whitish gray to deep red-brown. It has composite leaves that can be 30cm long. Each leaf is composed of leaflets that are about 2 to 7cm long and 1 to 3cm wide. The flowers are located on the end of branches that have no leaves. These flowers have a bright pink to lilac color that is tinged with white. A pale yellow spot is usually at the flower's base. The tree's fruit is a pod which is about 10 to 15cm in length. It is green when unripe and becomes yellow-brown when it reaches maturity. The pod produces 4 to 10 round brown seeds . The tree grows well in acidic soils with a pH of 4.5-6.2. The tree is found on volcanic soils in its native range in Central America and Mexico. However, it can also grow on sandy, clay and limestone soils.The turnip or white turnip (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa) is a root vegetable commonly grown in temperate climates worldwide for its white, bulbous taproot. Small, tender varieties are grown for human consumption, while larger varieties are grown as feed for livestock.[citation needed]In the north of England and Scotland, the name turnip, shortened to "neeps", often refers to the larger, yellow rutabaga root vegetable which is also known as the "swede" (from "Swedish turnip").The most common type is mostly white-skinned apart from the upper 16 centimeters, which protrude above the ground and are purple, red, or greenish wherever sunlight has fallen. This above-ground part develops from stem tissue, but is fused with the root. The interior flesh is entirely white. The entire root is roughly conical, but can be occasionally global, about 520 centimeters in diameter, and lacks side roots. The taproot (the normal root below the swollen storage root) is thin and 10 centimeters or more in length; it is trimmed off before marketing. The leaves grow directly from the above-ground shoulder of the root, with little or no visible crown or neck (as found in rutabagas).[citation needed]Turnip leaves are sometimes eaten as "turnip greens" ("turnip tops" in the UK), and they resemble mustard greens in flavor. Turnip greens are a common side dish in southeastern US cooking, primarily during late fall and winter. Smaller leaves are preferred; however, any bitter taste of larger leaves can be reduced by pouring off the water from initial boiling and replacing it with fresh water. Varieties specifically grown for the leaves resemble mustard greens more than those grown for the roots, with small or no storage roots. Varieties of B. rapa that have been developed only for the use of leaves are called Chinese cabbage. Both leaves and root have a pungent flavor similar to raw cabbage or radishes that becomes mild after cooking.Turnip roots weigh up to about one kilogram, salthough they can be harvested when smaller. Size is partly a function of variety and partly a function of the length of time the turnip has grown. Most very small turnips (also called baby turnips) are specialty varieties. These are only available when freshly harvested and do not keep well. Most baby turnips can be eaten whole, including their leaves. Baby turnips come in yellow-, orange-, and red-fleshed varieties as well as white-fleshed. Their flavor is mild, so they can be eaten raw in salads like radishes and other vegetables.Buckwheat refers to several species of plants in the dicot family Polygonaceae: the Eurasian genus Fagopyrum, the North American genus Eriogonum, and the Northern Hemisphere genus Fallopia. Either of the latter two may be referred to as "wild buckwheat." Despite the name, buckwheats are not related to wheat, as they are not cereals / grasses (family Poaceae); instead, buckwheat is related to sorrels, knotweeds, and rhubarb.The cultivation of buckwheat grain, a pseudocereal food crop, declined sharply in the 20th century in affluent regions where the usage of nitrogen fertilizer is popular.Comfrey (also comphrey) is an important herb in organic gardening. It is used as a fertilizer and as an herbal medicine. The main species used now is Symphytum uplandicum or Russian comfrey, a hybrid between Symphytum officinale (common comfrey) and Symphytum asperum (rough comfrey).DescriptionComfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) is a perennial herb of the family Boraginaceae with a black, turnip-like root and large, hairy broad leaves that bears small bell-shaped flowers of various colours, typically cream or purplish, which may be striped. It is native to Europe, growing in damp, grassy places, and is locally frequent throughout Ireland and Britain on river banks and ditches. More common is the hybrid between S. officinale and S. asperum, Symphytum uplandicum, known as Russian Comfrey, which is widespread in the British Isles, and which interbreeds with S. officinale. Compared to S. officinale, S. uplandicum is generally more bristly and has flowers which tend to be more blue or violet