Phleum bertolonii DC.
Bertoloni's timothy
Smaller cat's-tail is a native perennial grass, in effect a compact relative of common Timothy (Phleum pratense). It forms leafy tufts and is noticeably shorter and finer than its larger cousin, often with small bulbous swellings at the base of the stems that help to tell the two apart.
About
Smaller cat's-tail is a native perennial grass, in effect a compact relative of common Timothy (Phleum pratense). It forms leafy tufts and is noticeably shorter and finer than its larger cousin, often with small bulbous swellings at the base of the stems that help to tell the two apart. In summer the stems carry the dense, cylindrical, spike-like flowerheads typical of the genus, resembling a slim, bristly tail that turns from green to pale buff as the seed ripens.
It is widespread through much of Britain, favouring old meadows, pastures, downland, banks, road verges and waste ground, and tends to prefer thinner, drier and less fertile swards than Timothy. Hard-wearing and persistent, it is a useful constituent of agricultural and amenity grass mixtures and of traditional hay-meadow and grassland restoration seed. As a native pasture grass it contributes forage and supports the insect life of permanent grassland.
Also known as
diploid timothy · small timothy · smaller cat's-tail · turf timothy
Synonyms
Phleum abbreviatum · Phleum brachystachyum abbreviatum · Phleum castelnavii · Phleum hubbardii · Phleum intermedium · Phleum nodosum minus · Phleum nodosum serotinum · Phleum praecox · Phleum praecox delphinense · Phleum pratense abbreviatum · Phleum pratense bertolonii
In our seed mixes
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.