How to Grow Rescuegrass

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Rescuegrass

Bromus catharticus

grass

Rescuegrass is a cool-season bunchgrass native to South America, valued for pasture and forage production. It establishes quickly and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, making it useful for erosion control and livestock grazing. The grass produces nutritious forage that remains palatable through winter in mild climates.

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Example Rescuegrass timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Rescuegrass
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Rescuegrass
Around Jun 16

≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Rescuegrass dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 6+ hours daily; tolerates partial shade

💧

Water: Moderate water needs; drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly during establishment and during dry spells.

📏

Spacing: 8-12 inches for optimal density in pastures inches

📅

Days to maturity: 60-90 days to first grazing-ready forage

🌱

Planting depth: 0.25-0.5 inches; light surface seeding

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil, tolerates poor soils

pH: 5.5-7.5

Amendments:

Compost for initial establishment Lime if pH is below 5.5

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 4-8, with good performance in cooler regions

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b

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Growth Stages

Germination

7-14 days

Seeds sprout and develop initial root system and first leaves

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Avoid heavy foot traffic.

Seedling & Establishment

3-6 weeks

Young plants develop deeper roots and additional tillers; 2-4 leaves visible

Water regularly to maintain moist soil. Protect from heavy grazing for at least 6-8 weeks. Control competing weeds.

Vegetative Growth

6-12 weeks

Plant develops multiple shoots (tillers) and robust root system; dense green foliage

Light grazing can stimulate tillering. Maintain adequate moisture during growth phase. Monitor for pests and diseases.

Heading & Flowering

3-4 weeks

Seed heads emerge and plants flower; less palatable at this stage

Graze or harvest before full heading for better forage quality. Plant reaches 18-36 inches tall.

Seed Maturity & Dormancy

4-6 weeks before dormancy

Seeds mature and dry; foliage may yellow. In cool climates, plant enters dormancy in late fall/winter

Allow seed head maturity if seed collection is desired. Plant can be grazed or cut for hay.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Clover (white and red) Alfalfa Birdsfoot trefoil Chicory Other cool-season grasses (perennial ryegrass, tall fescue)

Avoid planting near:

Allelopathic species that may inhibit grass establishment (though rescuegrass is generally compatible with most plants)

Common Pests

Monitor for leaf damage. Use cultural practices like proper grazing management. Apply insecticides if populations exceed economic threshold.
Keep vegetation healthy to tolerate feeding. Use exclusion nets for small areas. Biological controls or targeted insecticides if severe.
Generally minor; manage through proper irrigation and plant health. Avoid excessive nitrogen that promotes soft growth.
Ensure good air circulation. Avoid overhead watering late in day. Select rust-resistant varieties.

Uses

🍳

Livestock Forage

Culinary

Rescuegrass provides nutritious pasture for cattle, sheep, and horses. It remains palatable through cooler months when other grasses decline, extending the grazing season. [source]

🍳

Hay Production

Culinary

The grass is commonly cut and dried for hay, particularly valued in temperate regions. It maintains good nutritional content and is widely used in feed operations. [source]

🏠

Erosion Control & Stabilization

Household

Rescuegrass establishes rapidly and its extensive root system effectively prevents soil erosion on slopes and disturbed areas. It's commonly used in restoration and land rehabilitation projects. [source]

🦋

Wildlife Habitat

Wildlife

The grass provides food and cover for various wildlife species, including birds and small mammals. Its dense growth creates protective habitat in grassland ecosystems. [source]

🏠

Soil Improvement

Household

As a nitrogen-fixing crop when grown with legumes, or as a cover crop, rescuegrass improves soil structure and organic matter. It's used in conservation farming systems to build soil health. [source]

Harvest Tips

For grazing: Begin light grazing when grass reaches 6-8 inches; rotate to prevent overuse and allow recovery. For hay: Cut at boot to early heading stage for best nutritional quality, typically 4-6 weeks into vegetative growth. Dry thoroughly before baling to prevent mold. Multiple harvests possible in a season with proper rest periods.

Fun Facts

🌱 Rescuegrass is native to the pampas regions of South America and was introduced to North America as a promising forage crop in the 19th century.
🌱 Unlike many cool-season grasses, rescuegrass germinates well in late summer and fall, making it ideal for establishing pastures in late season.
🌱 The grass is particularly drought-tolerant once established due to its deep root system, and can survive on marginal land where other forages struggle.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Partial Shade pH

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