MYSTERY GRASS & SEDGE QUIZ #3

Aaaaww, that's nice!!!   Have a good day tomorrow, hope it doesn't rain too much! Lol

Congratulations to all of you who guessed Timothy grass (Phleum pratense). Let’s start with the clues! First clue: As purr Hanson's story. Timothy grass is also known as Common Cat’s tail, hence purr – the noise that cats make and story is another word for tale or in this case, tail! Hanson refers to the US farmer whom this grass was most likely named after. Timothy Hanson is said to have introduced this grass to New England in the 18th century. The second clue: A minor ballad. This should really read ‘a miner ballad’ as it refers to the 1971 song by The Buoys called ‘Timothy’, which mentions 3 trapped miners.

Timothy grass grows up to 59 inches tall and its hairless leaves grow up to 17 inches long and ½ inch wide. Resistant to cold and drought, Timothy grass thrives in heavy soil and flowers from June to September. Timothy grass is great food for butterflies such as the Marbled white and the Essex skipper. Timothy grass hay is popular with pets such as Guinea pigs and rabbits as its abrasive texture helps keep their teeth in good shape.

A picture of Timothy grass is found here.

Did you know that: In 1711, John Hurd from North America named this grass, Hurd grass. It only became known as Timothy grass from 1720 onwards.

Keep an eye out for next week’s Mystery Grass & Sedge quiz here soon!

Take care,

Claire

Oh dear!!   Wrong songs! Lol.   Ooooh, that Mrs T is so crafty!!!

Well done, Wendy, you were on to it straight away. I got as far as Cat's-tail but then got stuck.

Have a nice day off MrsT

Thanks TJ, but you must take credit for giving me the cat's tail clue!!

& well done Elvis too!!

cheers Wendy

 Ray