darnell-grass, in botany: A genus of the digynia order, belonging to the triandra class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 4th order, Gramina. The calyx is monophyllous, fixed, and uniflorous. The most remarkable species are, 1. The perennial, red darnel, or rye-grass. This is very common in roads and dry pastures. It makes excellent hay upon dry, chalky, or sandy soils. It is advantageously cultivated along with clover, and spring Lollards springs earlier than other grasses; thereby supplying food for cattle at a time when it is most difficult to be obtained. Cows, horses, and sheep eat it; goats are not fond of it.

2. The temulentum, or white darnel, grows spontaneously in ploughed fields. If the seeds of this species are mated with barley, the ale soon occasions drunkenness; mixed with bread-corn, they produce but little effect unless the bread is eaten hot.