Orchard Grass (Dactylis glomerata), also known as Cocksfoot, is a perennial, cool-season pastoral grass native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. It belongs to the Poaceae family and is widely used as forage for livestock due to its high nutritional value and productivity. Characterized by its broad, flat leaves and distinctive, tufted flowering heads, Orchard Grass grows in dense clumps and can reach heights of over a meter.

It thrives in temperate climates, often found in meadows, pastures, open woodlands, and along field margins. One of its key traits is early spring growth and strong regrowth after cutting or grazing, making it ideal for hay and silage production. It coexists well with legumes like clover in mixed pastures.

Orchard Grass is valued for its drought tolerance, shade resilience, and palatability to livestock. Its widespread adaptability and high yield have made it a foundational species in managed grassland ecosystems.