About Phleum pratense L.
Phleum pratense L., commonly known as timothy, grows 48–150 cm (19–59 in) tall. Its leaves reach up to 43 cm (17 in) long and 1.3 cm (0.5 in) broad; they are hairless, rolled rather than folded, and their lower sheaths turn dark brown. This species has no stolons, rhizomes, or auricles. Its flowerhead measures 70–152 mm (2.75–6 in) long and 6.4–12.7 mm (0.25–0.5 in) broad, and holds densely packed spikelets. It flowers from June to September, with pink stamens, and a short, blunt ligule. It grows well in heavy soil, and is noted for its resistance to cold and drought, which allows it to grow in dry upland or poor sandy soils. In pastures, it tends to be overwhelmed by more competitive grasses, and grows slowly after cutting. Early settlers unintentionally introduced timothy to North America, and it was first described in 1711 by John Hurd from specimens growing in New Hampshire. Hurd named the species "hurd grass", but around 1720, a farmer named Timothy Hanson began promoting its cultivation as hay, and the grass has been known by its common name timothy ever since. It has now become naturalized across most of the United States and Canada. It is commonly grown for cattle feed, and especially as hay for horses. It is relatively high in fiber, particularly when cut late. If cut early, it is considered a harsh, coarse grass that livestock do not enjoy eating. It is part of the standard mix for grass hay and provides quality nutrition for horses. Timothy hay is a staple food for domestic pet rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and degus, and often makes up the bulk of these animals' diet. Timothy hay is rich in long fiber, and its abrasive texture helps grind down teeth, keeping both teeth and jaw healthy. Some caterpillars, including the Essex skipper (Thymelicus lineola) and the marbled white (Melanargia galathea), use timothy as a food plant. It also grows on roadsides and in abandoned fields, but generally requires nutrient-rich soils. Plants persist through the winter. Dead, straw-colored flowering stems may persist, but only for a short time, and can be recognized by their distinctive spike-like inflorescence. For medical use, timothy grass pollen allergen is used to treat hay fever.
