Purple Top Timothy
Phleum pratense 'Purple Top'
A premium cool-season grass variety prized for its distinctive purple-tinged seed heads and excellent performance in northern climates. This hardy perennial forms dense, uniform stands that provide excellent ground cover and erosion control. Timothy grass is beloved by wildlife and creates a naturalistic meadow appearance that's perfect for eco-friendly landscaping.
Harvest
60-90d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
2–7
USDA hardiness
Height
3 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Purple Top Timothy in USDA Zone 7
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Purple Top Timothy · Zones 2–7
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Timothy (Phleum pratense) is a perennial cool-season grass of the family Poaceae. Stems grow in large clumps, reaching 0.5-1 metre (1.6-3.3 feet) in height with swollen bulb-like bases. Leaves are typically rolled lengthwise and are about 44 cm (17 inches) long. Flowering structures are long, dense, and cylindrical panicles resembling cattail heads. The plant demonstrates drought resistance and tolerates heavy and sandy soils. It is extensively grown as forage in North America and the United Kingdom. Source: Britannica.
Harvesting
Timothy serves as both a hay crop and pasture grass for livestock. Cut for hay when the plant reaches the early bloom stage for the best balance of yield and nutritional quality. First cutting is typically in early to mid-summer. Source: Britannica.
Storage & Preservation
Timothy hay should be cured to less than 20% moisture before baling to prevent mold. Store bales in a covered, well-ventilated area. Properly stored timothy hay maintains nutritional value for over a year. Source: standard forage management practice.
History & Origin
Timothy is native to mainland Europe. The plant was named after American farmer Timothy Hanson, who promoted its cultivation outside New England and among British farmers during the early 1700s. It became one of the most widely cultivated forage grasses in North America. Source: Britannica.
Advantages
- +Drought resistant
- +Tolerates heavy and sandy soils
- +Excellent hay and pasture grass
- +Hardy perennial — returns year after year
- +High palatability for livestock
Considerations
- -Cool-season grass — goes dormant in summer heat
- -Slow to establish compared to ryegrass
- -Does not tolerate close, frequent grazing
- -Shallow root system
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Red Clover
Fixes nitrogen in soil, improving grass nutrition and establishing beneficial legume-grass partnership
White Clover
Low-growing nitrogen fixer that complements timothy's growth pattern and enriches soil
Alfalfa
Deep-rooted legume that brings up nutrients and fixes nitrogen for grass utilization
Birdsfoot Trefoil
Drought-tolerant legume that provides nitrogen fixation and extends grazing season
Chicory
Deep taproot breaks up compacted soil and provides minerals, complements shallow grass roots
Plantain
Natural mineral accumulator that improves soil health and provides medicinal benefits for livestock
Dandelion
Deep taproot improves soil aeration and brings up nutrients from subsoil layers
Yarrow
Attracts beneficial insects and improves overall pasture health with natural pest control
Keep Apart
Tall Fescue
Aggressive competitor that can crowd out timothy and contains endophytes toxic to livestock
Johnson Grass
Highly aggressive weed that outcompetes timothy and can contain harmful prussic acid
Quackgrass
Invasive perennial grass with aggressive rhizomes that displaces timothy stands
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to most grass diseases
Common Pests
Aphids, armyworms (minor issues)
Diseases
Leaf spot, rust (in humid conditions)