Phleum pratense
Phleum pratense L.
Phleum nodosum L.
Phleum pratense L. var. nodosum (L.) Huds.
Phleum pratense L. ssp. nodosum (L.) Arcang.
Timothy
Kingdom Plantae Plants, but not fungi, lichens, or algae
Subkingdom Tracheobionta Vascular plants—plants with a “circulatory system” for delivering water and nutrients
Division Magnoliophyta Flowering plants, also known as angiosperms
Class Liliopsida Monocots (plants with a single seed leaf); includes the lily family
Subclass Commelinidae Dayflowers and spiderworts, and several others
Order Cyperales Flowering plants including grasses
Family Poaceae Grasses (but not sedges or rushes)
Genus Phleum From ancient Greek phleos, for a type of swamp-growing grass
Species pratense “Growing in meadows”
About plant names...
Timothy is a grass native to Europe, now abundant throughout North America. It came to North America on
the heels of early settlers and was first described here in 1711. Timothy Hanson promoted its use
as hay in 1720, his first name becoming its common name. It is widely used for this purpose now, typically
mixed with alfalfa for better nutritional balance. Some people are allergic to the pollen, which is
released in prodigious quantities during the first half of summer.
Identification: Plants grow 20-59" (50-150 cm) high.
Leaves are up to 18" (45 cm) × ⅜" (1 cm), and are dull green to grayish-blue. The seedhead is
pale gray-green, unbranched and cylindrical,
about 2½-7" (7-17 cm) × ¼-⅜" (8-10 mm). The narrow, neat seedheads are the most
distinguishing feature. They become light brown in the fall.
Online References:
Phleum pratense
Phleum pratense
Phleum pratense
Phleum pratense
Phleum pratense
Phleum pratense
References:
Knobel, Edward, The Grasses, Sedges and Rushes of the United States , Bradlee Whidden, 1899 , p. 7
By Dr. George Vasey.
6/22/2016 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton Center, Groton, MA
6/21/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton Center, Groton, MA
6/27/2013 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton Center, Groton, MA
6/4/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Ayer, MA
6/4/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Ayer, MA
6/4/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Ayer, MA
6/28/2014 · Beaver Brook Conservation Area, Hollis, NH
Phleum pratense description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 25 May 2020.
© FloraFinder.org. All rights reserved.
6/22/2016 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton Center, Groton, MA
7/15/2020 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Nashoba Hospital, Ayer, MA
7/15/2020 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Nashoba Hospital, Ayer, MA
6/1/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton Center, Groton, MA
6/29/2014 · Mount Agamenticus, York, ME
6/16/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton Center, Groton, MA
7/15/2020 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Nashoba Hospital, Ayer, MA
5/11/2012 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Nashoba Hospital, Ayer, MA
7/6/2017 · Mt. Watatic, access road, Ashby, MA
Range:
About this map...
ID is uncertain 
