Timothy [Phleum pratense]

About the weed

It is a coarse tufted grass growing to 150cm tall. Leaves are pale green and pointed. The flowerhead is packed with tiny spikelets so it looks smooth like fur.

Key features

Plant: The plants have an upright habit.

Biology

Timothy is a common component of pastures and other sown grassland and can be found in cereal crops in grassy rotations. Timothy emerges from both seed and tussock fragments. Tillering occurs in spring and autumn and stems remain green over winter and grow in the spring; a second period of growth may occur in July.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Life cycle

Seed longevity: >5 years

Seed weight: 0.5 mg

Seeds/flower: 1

Treatment

Management

In winter cereals, some control with herbicides may be possible. It does not persist into spring crop breaks or if soils are routinely cultivated.