timothy or herd's-grass, perennial plant (Phleum pratense) of the family Poaceae (grass family), native to Europe and W Asia and one of the most widely cultivated hay grass of North America. Adaptable to cool, moist climates, where it is sometimes grown in mixtures (especially with red clover), it is a late grass—usually sown in the fall—and can be stored after cutting. It is not used for permanent pastures because it cannot survive continuous grazing. Timothy is classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Liliopsida, order Cyperales, family Poaceae.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
See more Encyclopedia articles on: Plants
