Source: Magness et al. 1971
This grass is native to temperate Europe and Asia, and was introduced into the United States around the middle of the last century. It is a long-lived perennial, which forms a few short rootstocks and underground branches. It produces a medium dense sod. Leaves are medium in width, dark green and numerous. Stems generally reach about 3 feet. The species is especially adapted to cool moist climates, such as west of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon and Washington; but is useful in other northern states. It is especially useful as pasture, growing throughout a long season. In combination with legumes it is made into silage in the Pacific Northwest, but is rarely harvested for hay.