Distribution and biology of timothy grass weeds in the UK

Timothy is a common grass weed that can be found throughout the UK. Find out how to identify and control it.

Timothy (Phleum pratense) is a common component of pastures and other sown grassland and can be found in cereal crops in grassy rotations. Timothy emerges from both seed and tussock fragments. Tillering occurs in spring and autumn and stems remain green over winter and grow in the spring; a second period of growth may occur in July.

• It has value to biodiversity

It is a coarse tufted grass growing to 150 cm tall. Leaves are pale green and pointed. The flowerhead is packed with tiny spikelets so it looks smooth like fur.

Plant: The plants have an upright habit.

Timothy is found in a range of grasslands including meadows and rough grassland up to an altitude of 450 m.

It prefers heavy slightly damp soils.

• Seed longevity: >5 years
• Seed weight: 0.5 mg
• Seeds/flower: 1

It does not persist into spring crop breaks or if soils are routinely cultivated.

For advice on herbicides, please speak with your agronomist or adviser.

When was this information last updated?

This page is based on content from the encyclopaedia of arable weeds publication. Since it was first released in 2008, the publication has been redesigned several times but not revised. However, it remains a good foundation for general information on the distribution and biology of weeds.