Sp. Pl. : 71 (1753); Gen. Gram.: 102 (1986).- Type-species: Dactylis glomerata Linn.
Description:
* Tufted perennials with short rhizome. Leaves flat or folded.
* Inflorescence a lobed one-sided panicle, the spikelets almost sessile and densely clustered in compact fascicles of the panicle branches.
* Spikelets 2-5-flowered, strongly laterally compressed, disarticulating between the florets. Glumes persistent, unequal, strongly keeled. Lemma 5-nerved, strongly keeled, ciliate on the keel.
A temperate genus with 5 species native to Europe, widely introduced elsewhere.