Lolium multiflorum (syn. L. perenne var. multiflorum) - Annual rye grass, Italian rye grass
Family Poaceae

Description:

About eight species of Lolium are native to Europe and Asia. Although they are called ryegrass, they are not the source of the commercial rye grain. The scientific name of true rye is Secale cereale. Annual rye grass is used as livestock fodder and lawn grass.

Location:

See this plant in turf areas throughout campus in the winter months.

Size:

Herbaceous annual to about sixteen inches tall if not mowed.

Care Instructions:

Light: full sun to part shade

Water: moderately drought tolerant

Soil: adaptable to a wide pH range, well-drained

This plant is grown in winter in Jacksonville. It is seeded over the existing turf during the cool months when our warm season grasses tend to be brown. Annual rye grass dies as temperatures warm in spring.