+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## italian ryegrass {#italian-ryegrass .Title-Header}                 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| *Lolium perenne* L. ssp. *multiflorum* (Lam.) Husnot                  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Plant Symbol = LOPEM2                                                 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

Contributed by: USDA NRCS Northeast Plant Materials Program

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="2.2916666666666665in" height="3.4375in"}

Britton & Brown 1913

Illustrated Flora of the Northern States and Canada

@ PLANTS

##### Alternate Names {#alternate-names .Header-3}

*Lolium multiflorum* Lam., annual ryegrass

##### Uses {#uses .Header-3}

Italian ryegrass is primarily used for quick cover in erosion control
plantings.

##### Status {#status .Header-3}

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural
Resources for this plant's current status (e.g. threatened or endangered
species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).

##### Weediness {#weediness .Header-3}

This plant may become weedy or invasive in some regions or habitats and
may displace desirable vegetation if not properly managed. Please
consult with your local NRCS Field Office, Cooperative Extension Service
office, or state natural resource or agriculture department regarding
its status and use. Weed information is also available from the PLANTS
Web site at plants.usda.gov.

##### Description {#description .Header-3}

Italian ryegrass is quite similar to perennial ryegrass except it is an
annual or biennial, depending on climate and/or length of growing
season. It may grow a little taller than perennial ryegrass, from 2 to 3
feet tall. Plants have a bunchy form, with numerous long, narrow, stiff
leaves near the base of the plant. The under surfaces of leaves are
bright, glossy, and smooth. Inflorescence stems are nearly naked. The
seeds of this sub-species have awns (bristles).

##### Adaptation {#adaptation .Header-3}

These grasses have a wide range of adaptability to soils, but thrive on
dark rich soils in regions having mild climates. They do not withstand
hot, dry weather or severe winters. They will stand fairly wet soils
with reasonably good surface drainage.

Italian ryegrass is distributed throughout the entire United States. For
a current distribution map, please consult the Plant Profile page for
this species on the PLANTS Website.

##### 

##### Establishment {#establishment .Header-3}

A fine, firm seedbed gives the best results. Mulched seedings on graded
soil germinate readily. Spring seedings of ryegrass may occur in March,
April, or May. Seeding rates will vary with local conditions and purpose
of plantings. Generally, a seeding rate of 20 to 25 pounds per acre is
used if ryegrass is seeded alone. Lesser amounts per acre are used in
mixtures, depending upon uses and companion species. Do not exceed 4
pounds per acre in mixes with alfalfa.

##### Management {#management .Header-3}

This section is under development.

##### Pests and Potential Problems {#pests-and-potential-problems .Header-3}

This section is under development.

##### Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials (and area of origin) {#cultivars-improved-and-selected-materials-and-area-of-origin .Header-3}

Ryegrasses cross-pollinate freely so many types have developed. It is
difficult to maintain their genetic purity; consequently, Italian
ryegrass is marketed as common ryegrass or domestic ryegrass, and it is
often a mixture of annual and perennial species. There is no
certification of this seed since pure varieties of Italian ryegrass are
almost non-existent.

Seed of cultivars and common annual ryegrass is readily available from
local commercial suppliers.

##### Control {#control .Header-3}

Please contact your local agricultural extension specialist or county
weed specialist to learn what works best in your area and how to use it
safely. Always read label and safety instructions for each control
method. Trade names and control measures appear in this document only to
provide specific information. USDA, NRCS does not guarantee or warranty
the products and control methods named, and other products may be
equally effective.

##### Prepared By & Species Coordinator:  {#prepared-by-species-coordinator .Header-3}

USDA NRCS Northeast Plant Materials Program

##### 

##### Edited: 05Feb2002 JLK; 060802 jsp {#edited-05feb2002-jlk-060802-jsp .Header-4}

For more information about this and other plants, please contact your
local NRCS field office or Conservation District, and visit the PLANTS
Web site\<[http://plants.usda.gov](http://plants.usda.gov/)\> or the
Plant Materials Program Web site
\<[http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov](http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov/)\>

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orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases
apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require
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large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA\'s [TARGET
Center](http://www.usda.gov/oo/target.htm) at 202-720-2600 (voice and
TDD).*

*To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of
Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence
Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice or
TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.*

*Read about [Civil Rights at the Natural Resources Convervation
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