Naturalized in northern U.S. and mountain states; adapted varieties exist for nearly all North American climates, except the desert southwest (where it's grown as a winter annual); grows to 3.5'; especially well suited to deep, well-drained, fertile, loamy, silty and clayey soils; adapted to thinner, less fertile soils; tolerant of flooding; excellent winter hardiness; adapted from sea level to alpine sites; well suited in stands containing legumes and other cool season grasses.

Drill seeded to 1/4” – 1/2” deep at 5–10 pounds PLS/acre alone, or 3–5 pounds PLS/acre in mixtures (use 50-100% more seed if broadcast seeding). 1,300,000 seeds/pound.

Germination in 10 days, fall or spring.

Varieties
Climax – from Canada, germination in 7 days, very tall (+4') and leafy