Timothy

Phleum pratense

No image available for this plant

Basic Information

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae

Genus: phleum

Plant ID (slug): phleum-pratense

Numeric ID: 25954

USDA Hardiness: 4-8

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Phleum pratense is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Britain.

Habitats

Meadow;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Cancer Stored sterile timothy extracts arrested the growth of Sarcoma 45 and other tumour types[269].

Known Hazards

Two allergens producing strong skin reactions and a haemaglutinating action have been isolated from timothy pollen. The pollen contains several flavonol-glycosides, among them dactylin (isorhamnetin-31,4-diglucoside)[269].

Detailed Information

Additional Information

Title: Phleum pratense Timothy