Cock’s-foot (Dactylis glomerata)

Cock’s-foot

Cock’s-foot (Dactylis glomerata) belongs to the family of grasses (Poaceae) and is very common in Central Europe. It is also known as orchard grass or cat grass. With a height of ten to 120 cm it is one of the taller species of grasses. It can be found in many places, for example in meadows, on fallow land, on the edges of paths, in parks and even in some gardens.

Cock’s-foot is in bloom from may until June. Ripe seeds can be found from June until August. The seeds are grouped together forming shapes that resemble a cock’s foot, hence the common name.

Most pet birds are very keen on half-ripe seeds or even flowers of this grass. Ripe seeds are sold by some specialized vendors as supplementary food, see this chapter (in German only) for more information on this.

Half-ripe cock’s-foot can be preserved by either drying or freezing it.

You can find more photos of this species on NABU-naturgucker.de (German website, but also available in English language).