Orchardgrass is valuable on light textured soils due to its outstanding drought-tolerance. Most varieties have good winter-hardiness, although few varieties have superior winter-hardiness. The species is rather slow to establish but persistency is good under hay, silage, and proper grazing management. After it starts growing in the spring, orchardgrass tends to head very quickly. Late heading varieties therefore can provide more flexibility in management options. Late maturing orchardgrass is also popular as a companion grass for alfalfa.