Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne)

 

Perennial Ryegrass

The perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) belongs to the family of grasses (Poaceae) and blooms from May to October in Central Europe. Ripe as well as half-ripe seeds can be collected from June until November. Budgies and other pet birds prefer the seeds in half-ripe state, but it can also be offered to them while blooming or with ripe seeds.

The stems of this grass grow 30 to 60 cm tall and seeds are placed on alternating sides of the stem. The perennial ryegrass can be found in meadows or at the wayside. It also freezes well if you want to conserve some for the winter.

Other names for this grass are English ryegrass, winter ryegrass or ray grass.

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

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German – English translation: Sarah Wiechers