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Timothy
Timothy
Timothy
Timothy
Timothy
Timothy
Timothy
Phleum pratense
Also known as : Common cat's tail, Herdsgrass
Timothy (*Phleum pratense*) is a perennial grass that grows from 61 to 122 cm tall. Timothy is grown for its hay, and it is a favorite of insects and farmers. This species is an irritant to many allergy sufferers. The seed heads are about 40 cm long with spiked flowers that bloom in summer. Caterpillars feed on this grass, and it also provides a habitat for other insects.
Planting Time
Planting Time
Spring, Fall
Weeds
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Key Facts About Timothy

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Attributes of Timothy

Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Grass
Planting Time
Spring, Fall
Bloom Time
Late spring, Summer, Early fall
Harvest Time
Spring, Summer
Plant Height
48 cm to 1.5 m
Spread
30 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Blue
Flower Size
6 mm to 1.3 cm
Flower Color
Purple
Fruit Color
Brown
Stem Color
Green
Dormancy
Winter dormancy
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
0 - 32 ℃

Scientific Classification of Timothy

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Weed Control About Timothy

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Weeds
Native to Eurasia, timothy has been introduced worldwide as a nutritious forage grass. It can become a weed in its native range and is considered to be invasive in 16 countries, including the United States, where it is defined as invasive by five states. It spreads rapidly through disturbed areas, including abandoned fields and roadsides, and quickly depletes nutrients from the soil. Increases in temperature due to climate change may allow timothy to spread and grow more rapidly. Continuous grazing, hand-pulling, frequent mowing, and application of herbicide can reduce invasions of timothy. However, it can be difficult to control without negatively affecting native species, so the introduction of a desirable competitor can help fully control it with minimal impacts.
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distribution

Distribution of Timothy

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Habitat of Timothy

Meadows
Northern Hemisphere
South Hemisphere

Distribution Map of Timothy

Timothy enjoys a broad native range across various regions of Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. It has been introduced to continents such as North and South America, Africa, and Oceania, where it has adapted to new environments. Although timothy is sometimes thought to be invasive in certain areas, like parts of Japan, its presence may have an impact on local ecosystems, particularly where it becomes abundant.
distribution map
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
habit
question

Questions About Timothy

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Watering Watering Watering
Sunlight Sunlight Sunlight
Temperature Temperature Temperature
What should I do if I water my Timothy too much or too little?
Without proper watering, this beautiful ornamental grass will underperform. In the ground, watering issues can be solved, but In a container, too much or too little water will kill Timothy in short order. When Timothy isn't receiving the right amount of water, it may stop growing. In the case of overwatering, it will begin to display yellow leaves with brown tips. Underwatering can produce drooping leaves, weak seed head production, and browned leaves. If you suspect your Timothy has been improperly watered, the first thing to do is figure out if the problem is too much or too little. If your Timothy is getting too much water, stop watering it immediately. Sometimes it can take weeks for heavy soils to dry out, so be patient. At the first sign of new growth, test the soil for moisture and decide whether it needs more water or not. The solution for Timothy receiving too little water is even simpler: give the grasses a nice, deep drink and see if it perks up.
Bearing all of this in mind, remember that a long, deep watering is always better than a lot of shallow, frequent waterings. The reason for this is that deep watering encourages grasses to grow deep roots, which makes them more drought resistant and less prone to problems from watering.
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How often should I water my Timothy?
The watering needs of Timothy will vary depending on where it is planted. Generally, you should water this grass every week. In hot climates, once or twice a week watering in the summer may be necessary. In moderate climates, watering once every seven days or more may be enough. Grass in containers almost always need more frequent watering than grasses in the ground. But with a species such as this that can thrive in full sun or part shade, the location also matters. Shaded grasses need to be watered less frequently than in-ground grasses.
Timothy should only be watered when the soil is dry. If you’re unsure when to water, there are a few key signs you can use as your cue. Pressing your finger a couple of inches into the soil will tell you if the soil is dry. For a potted grass, you can weigh the grass with a portable scale to see how light it is, but you can also quickly feel when the pot is light from lack of water. Like many types of grass, the blades may appear folded along their centers and thinner than usual when the roots lack sufficient water. Despite its drought tolerance, regular, deep waterings will reward you with a beautiful color.
In the wild, Timothy grows in open scrubland, where it would be subject to extreme heat, loads of bright sun, and intermittent rain. Because this grass is drought resistant, you might expect never to need to water it. But don’t let its hardiness fool you, Timothy still needs care and attention. Even though this hardy grass can handle harsh, dry conditions, gardeners agree that it thrives best with consistent water.
When first planted, Timothy will need more frequent water until it has established deep roots. For Timothy in pots, the soil will dry out quickly, especially if the pot is in hot, direct sun for a large part of the day. Test the soil every 3 to 4 days and water only when it feels dry. Timothyed in the ground generally needs less watering, but that depends on the soil it is grown in. Heavy clay soil holds water for a long time and may feel dry at the surface while still retaining plenty of moisture below the ground. Sandy soils that drain quickly will need to be watered more often.
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What should I be careful with when I water my Timothy in different seasons, climates, or during different growing?
You can often tell if you are watering enough by the rate of growth of your grasses. Timothy during the hottest months of the year and has been known to double in size in a year’s time. If the weather is hot and the grass is not growing vigorously, you may need to adjust your watering schedule. In winter, you might be able to get away with watering only once a month, but you will still want to touch the soil to test for moisture.
During a growth cycle (in the warmest months), the grass will need more water than usual. But during winter and cooler months, the need for water will be dramatically reduced. The most important thing to remember about Timothy is that the soil it is planted in should always be allowed to dry out completely before adding water.
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More Info on Timothy Growth and Care

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Basic Care Guide
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Lighting
Full sun
Timothy thrives in areas with open exposure to sun for the majority of the day, promoting optimal growth. It can also withstand locations with less but still considerable sun exposure. Excessive shade may hinder its growth, while an overexposure may risk a negative impact on plant health.
Best Sunlight Practices
Temperature
-30 - 35 ℃
The timothy plant typically grows natively in temperate regions where temperatures range from 32 to 50 ℉ (0 to 10 ℃). It prefers a temperature range of 32 to 90 ℉ (0 to 32 ℃) for optimal growth. During the summer months, it may benefit from some shade or protection from direct sunlight to prevent overheating.
Temp for Healthy Growth
Transplant
6-12 inches
Timothy's transplanting can be ideally done in late summer to early fall (S3-S4 equivalent), when the plant has adequate energy reserves. It prefers well-drained, sunny locations. Remember, effective watering is vital after transplanting to ensure a successful settling.
Transplant Techniques
Feng shui direction
Northeast
Timothy carries a soothing energy, eliciting feelings of tranquility, potentially supporting the nurturing wood element in Feng Shui. Its compatibility with a Northeast-facing direction may be considered due to the symbolic connection to Earth in this direction, which can ground and stabilize timothy's energy. However, individual experiences with timothy may vary, and personal preferences should always be considered.
Fengshui Details
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Plants Related to Timothy

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Spiny amaranth
Spiny amaranth
Spiny amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus) is a plant species native to the lowland American tropics. However, spiny amaranth has spread invasively to tropical regions around the globe. This species is named for the sharp spines at each of its leaf nodes.
Spotted touch-me-not
Spotted touch-me-not
The spotted touch-me-not is a wildflower that is native to North America with bright orange flowers that have darker orange or red spots. The spotted touch-me-not gets its “touch me not” name because when seed pods are mature, the lightest touch caused them to expel their seeds in a reaction called dehiscence.
Hairy willowherb
Hairy willowherb
Hairy willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum) is a species of weed that is difficult to eradicate. It is not known to be toxic, but the sale of this plant or its seeds has been banned in some areas. This is because its dense, aggressive growth habits can crowd out and destroy other native beneficial plants.
Dragon fruit
Dragon fruit
Dragon fruit berries are edible and have bright red skins and white pulp. A delicious tropical fruit, they also have a high nutritional value. Dragon fruit is a climbing plant with aerial roots and often climbs on tree trunks, abandoned walls, or boulders. It requires plenty of light but is easy to care for and can be planted in a yard.
Cherokee rose
Cherokee rose
The Rosa laevigata is a fragrant rose that's indigenous to parts of Asia. It's considered invasive in the United States. The flower is commonly known as cherokee rose in the United States, and its white petals are said to stand for the tears of Native American Cherokee women being forcibly removed from their homes as part of the infamous Trail of Tears.
Greater periwinkle
Greater periwinkle
Greater periwinkle (Vinca major) is an evergreen shrub native to the Western Mediterranean. It features lavender-colored flowers, and thick, lustrous deep green foliage. To avoid garden invasion and also for ornamental purposes, it's best to grow this plant in hanging pots or in window containers.
Poison ivy
Poison ivy
In pop culture, poison ivy is a symbol of an obnoxious weed because, despite its unthreatening looks, it gives a highly unpleasant contact rash to the unfortunate person who touches it. Still, it is commonly eaten by many animals, and the seeds are a favorite with birds. The leaves turn bright red in fall. Its sister species, Western poison ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii), is not considered to be invasive in the United States, but is noxious in Australia and New Zealand.
Pokeweed
Pokeweed
Although its berries look juicy and tempting, the fruits and the root of pokeweed are toxic and should not be eaten. Pokeweed is considered a pest species by farmers but is nevertheless often grown as an ornamental plant. Its berries can be made into pokeberry ink as well.
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Related Plants
Timothy
Timothy
Timothy
Timothy
Timothy
Timothy
Timothy
Phleum pratense
Also known as: Common cat's tail, Herdsgrass
Timothy (*Phleum pratense*) is a perennial grass that grows from 61 to 122 cm tall. Timothy is grown for its hay, and it is a favorite of insects and farmers. This species is an irritant to many allergy sufferers. The seed heads are about 40 cm long with spiked flowers that bloom in summer. Caterpillars feed on this grass, and it also provides a habitat for other insects.
Planting Time
Planting Time
Spring, Fall
Weeds
plant_info

Key Facts About Timothy

feedback
Feedback
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Attributes of Timothy

Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Grass
Planting Time
Spring, Fall
Bloom Time
Late spring, Summer, Early fall
Harvest Time
Spring, Summer
Plant Height
48 cm to 1.5 m
Spread
30 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Blue
Flower Size
6 mm to 1.3 cm
Flower Color
Purple
Fruit Color
Brown
Stem Color
Green
Dormancy
Winter dormancy
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
0 - 32 ℃
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Scientific Classification of Timothy

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Weed Control About Timothy

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weed
Weeds
Native to Eurasia, timothy has been introduced worldwide as a nutritious forage grass. It can become a weed in its native range and is considered to be invasive in 16 countries, including the United States, where it is defined as invasive by five states. It spreads rapidly through disturbed areas, including abandoned fields and roadsides, and quickly depletes nutrients from the soil. Increases in temperature due to climate change may allow timothy to spread and grow more rapidly. Continuous grazing, hand-pulling, frequent mowing, and application of herbicide can reduce invasions of timothy. However, it can be difficult to control without negatively affecting native species, so the introduction of a desirable competitor can help fully control it with minimal impacts.
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distribution

Distribution of Timothy

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Habitat of Timothy

Meadows
Northern Hemisphere
South Hemisphere

Distribution Map of Timothy

Timothy enjoys a broad native range across various regions of Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. It has been introduced to continents such as North and South America, Africa, and Oceania, where it has adapted to new environments. Although timothy is sometimes thought to be invasive in certain areas, like parts of Japan, its presence may have an impact on local ecosystems, particularly where it becomes abundant.
distribution map
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
question

Questions About Timothy

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Watering Watering Watering
Sunlight Sunlight Sunlight
Temperature Temperature Temperature
What should I do if I water my Timothy too much or too little?
more
How often should I water my Timothy?
more
What should I be careful with when I water my Timothy in different seasons, climates, or during different growing?
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Plants Related to Timothy

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Lighting
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Outdoor
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Requirements
Full sun
Ideal
Above 6 hours sunlight
Partial sun
Tolerance
About 3-6 hours sunlight
Watch how sunlight gracefully moves through your garden, and choose spots that provide the perfect balance of light and shade for your plants, ensuring their happiness.
Essentials
Timothy thrives in areas with open exposure to sun for the majority of the day, promoting optimal growth. It can also withstand locations with less but still considerable sun exposure. Excessive shade may hinder its growth, while an overexposure may risk a negative impact on plant health.
Preferred
Tolerable
Unsuitable
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Artificial lighting
Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
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Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
1. Choose the right type of artificial light: LED lights are a popular choice for indoor plant lighting because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that your plants need.
Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft.
2. Determine the appropriate distance: Place the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight.
3. Determine the duration: Mimic the length of natural daylight hours for your plant species. most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.
Important Symptoms
Symptoms of Insufficient Light in %s
Timothy thrives in full sunlight and is commonly grown outdoors where it receives ample sunlight. When placed in rooms with inadequate lighting, symptoms of light deficiency may not be readily apparent.
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(Symptom details and solutions)
Small leaves
New leaves may grow smaller in size compared to the previous ones once they have matured.
Leggy or sparse growth
The spaces between leaves or stems of your timothy may become longer, resulting in a thin and stretched-out appearance. This can make the plant look sparse and weak, and it may easily break or lean due to its own weight.
Faster leaf drop
When plants are exposed to low light conditions, they tend to shed older leaves early to conserve resources. Within a limited time, these resources can be utilized to grow new leaves until the plant's energy reserves are depleted.
Slower or no new growth
Timothy enters a survival mode when light conditions are poor, which leads to a halt in leaf production. As a result, the plant's growth becomes delayed or stops altogether.
Lighter-colored new leaves
Insufficient sunlight can cause leaves to develop irregular color patterns or appear pale. This indicates a lack of chlorophyll and essential nutrients.
Solutions
1. To ensure optimal growth, gradually move plants to a sunnier location each week, until they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Use a south-facing window and keep curtains open during the day for maximum sunlight exposure and nutrient accumulation.2. To provide additional light for your plant, consider using artificial light if it's large or not easily movable. Keep a desk or ceiling lamp on for at least 8 hours daily, or invest in professional plant grow lights for ample light.
Symptoms of Excessive light in %s
Timothy thrives in full sun exposure and can tolerate intense sunlight. With their remarkable resilience, symptoms of sunburn may not be easily visible, as they rarely suffer from it.
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(Symptom details and solutions)
Chlorosis
Chlorosis is a condition where the plant's leaves lose their green color and turn yellow. This is due to the breakdown of chlorophyll from excessive sunlight, which negatively affects the plant's ability to photosynthesize.
Sunscald
Sunscald occurs when the plant's leaves or stems are damaged by intense sunlight exposure. It appears as pale, bleached, or necrotic areas on the plant tissue and can reduce the plant's overall health.
Leaf Curling
Leaf curling is a symptom where leaves curl or twist under extreme sunlight conditions. This is a defense mechanism used by the plant to reduce its surface area exposed to sunlight, minimizing water loss and damage.
Wilting
Wilting occurs when a plant loses turgor pressure and its leaves and stems begin to droop. Overexposure to sunlight can cause wilting by increasing the plant's water loss through transpiration, making it difficult for the plant to maintain adequate hydration.
Leaf Scorching
Leaf scorching is a symptom characterized by the appearance of brown, dry, and crispy edges or patches on leaves due to excessive sunlight. This can lead to a reduction in photosynthetic capacity and overall plant health.
Solutions
1. Move your plant to the optimal position where it can receive abundant sunlight but also have some shade. An east-facing window is an ideal choice as the morning sunlight is gentler. This way, your plant can enjoy ample sunlight while reducing the risk of sunburn.2. It is recommended to trim off any completely dehydrated or withered parts of the plant.
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Temperature
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Requirements
Ideal
Tolerable
Unsuitable
Just like people, each plant has its own preferences. Learn about your plants' temperature needs and create a comforting environment for them to flourish. As you care for your plants, your bond with them will deepen. Trust your intuition as you learn about their temperature needs, celebrating the journey you share. Lovingly monitor the temperature around your plants and adjust their environment as needed. A thermometer can be your ally in this heartfelt endeavor. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you explore your plants' temperature needs. Cherish your successes, learn from challenges, and nurture your garden with love, creating a haven that reflects the warmth of your care.
Essentials
The timothy plant typically grows natively in temperate regions where temperatures range from 32 to 50 ℉ (0 to 10 ℃). It prefers a temperature range of 32 to 90 ℉ (0 to 32 ℃) for optimal growth. During the summer months, it may benefit from some shade or protection from direct sunlight to prevent overheating.
Regional wintering strategies
Timothy is highly cold-tolerant and does not require additional frost protection measures during winter. However, before the first freeze in autumn, it is recommended to water the plant generously to ensure the soil remains moist and enters a frozen state. This helps prevent drought and water scarcity for the plant during winter and early spring.
Important Symptoms
Symptoms of Low Temperature in Timothy
Timothy is extremely cold-tolerant, but the winter temperature should be maintained above {Limit_growth_temperature}. If the temperature drops below this threshold, although there may not be any noticeable changes during winter, there may be a decrease in sprouting or even no sprouting during springtime.
Solutions
In spring, remove any parts that have failed to sprout.
Symptoms of High Temperature in Timothy
Timothy is not tolerant to high temperatures. When the temperature exceeds {Suitable_growth_temperature_max}, its growth will stop, and it becomes more susceptible to rot.
Solutions
Trim away the sunburned and dried-up parts. Move the plant to a location that provides shade from the midday and afternoon sun, or use a shade cloth to create shade. Water the plant in the morning and evening to keep the soil moist.
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