Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne)

Cool Season Perennial

Perennial Ryegrass is a short lived perennial bunchgrass. It is similar to Italian Ryegrass in appearance but not quite as aggressive growth. The root system is shallow and dense, leaving it with a low rating to drought tolerance. Salinity tolerance is also low. Perennial ryegrass is easy to establish, but rarely overwinters in most of the prairies. Like Italian, it will tolerate a fair amount of moisture. Regrowth is fast, making it a good grazing grass.

Seeds per pound: 227,000 Seeds/sq ft/pound 6.2

Uses:

  • Erosion control
  • Soil builder
  • Nitrogen scavenger
  • Weed suppression
  • Grazing potential
  • Hay potential

Strengths:

  • Regrowth
  • Palatability
  • Ease of establishment

Concerns:

Short lived, no drought tolerance.

Grazing:

Excellent. Fast regrowth. Good palatability.

Hay:

Fair. Short growth and waxy leaves.

Mycorrhizal support? Yes