Alpine Timothy

(Phleum alpinum)

Alpine Timothy (Phleum alpinum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Phleum alpinum, commonly known as Alpine Timothy, is a deciduous perennial herb native to alpine meadows and slopes, as well as subarctic tundra across the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of Europe, Asia, and North America, and it can also be found in the high elevations of the South American Andes. Alpine Timothy usually grows to a height of about 1 foot (0.3 meters) and a width of 0.5-1 feet (0.2-0.3 meters). It forms dense clumps of narrow, green leaves and produces cylindrical flower spikes that are not particularly showy, with a flowering season in the late spring to early summer.

Alpine Timothy is valued for its ability to thrive in cool, mountainous environments and is often used for erosion control and revegetation of disturbed soils in its native range. It is also a forage grass for livestock and wildlife. In garden settings, it can be used as a ground cover or as part of a meadow planting. This grass prefers consistently moist soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy, as long as they have good drainage. It is best grown in full sun to part shade. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to rust diseases and may require occasional watering during prolonged dry periods.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 0.4-1 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Native to alpine meadows and slopes, as well as subarctic tundra across the Northern Hemisphere and high elevations in the South American Andes

Other Names

Common Names: Mountain Timothy , Alpine Cat’s-Tail , Alpine Cat Tail , Alpen-Lieschgras , Pohjantähkiö , Fléole Alpine , Fléole Des Alpes , Phléole Alpine , Fjelltimotei , Fjällkampe

Scientific Names: Phleum alpinum , Phleum rhaeticum , Phleum alpinum subsp. rhaeticum , Phleum commutatum , Phleum alpinum subsp. alpinum , Phleum alpinum var. commutatum , Phleum alpinum var. americanum , Phleum commutatum var. americanum , Phleum pratense subsp. alpinum , Phleum alpinum var. alpinum

GBIF Accepted Name: Phleum alpinum L.