Perennial Ryegrass

Pollen Type: Grass

Cross-Reactivity: Italian Ryegrass, Quack Grass

HS Allergy Extract: Ryegrass, Perennial (Standardized)

Family: Poaceae

Genus/Species: Lolium perenne

Common Names: Perennial Ryegrass, English Ryegrass, Winter Ryegrass, Ray Grass

Distribution: Throughout the United States.

Locations: Meadows, pastures, popular as a lawn and sports field turf.

Pollination Method: Wind-pollinated

Pollinating Period: May & June. May pollinate throughout the year depending on location.

Description: Perennial ryegrass is a hairless, tufted grass that grows low to the ground and in bunches. The leaves are smooth and glossy, dark green color on the lower surface, and parallel veins on the upper surface. They are folded lengthwise, giving them a flattened appearance and a strong base. The leaf sheaths at the bottom are hairless and usually tinged pink. Stems can grow up to 35”. The inflorescence (flower cluster) is unbranched and has spikelets on alternating sides edgeways onto the stem. Each spikelet has only one leaf on the side away from the stem, with 4 to 14 awnless florets. The anthers are pale yellow in color.