Phleum alpinum; The Alpine Cat's-tail is a close relative of the Timothy. It has similar-shaped spike-like panicles. They are though considerably shorter than those of Timothy. Quite characteristic for the Alpine Cat's-tail are the infllated sheath of the leaves. This is most prominent on the highest leaf and lesser on lower leaves. The spikelets are also smaller but the pointed tips are just as long (thus relatively longer). I once encountered a plant on Iceland which bears all the characteristics of a hybrid with Timothy (rather long panicles and only slightly inflated sheaths only in the uppermost leaf). I am not sure though if these species can hybridize as their ploidy-levels differ.
The Alpine Cat's-tail is common on Iceland but prefers higher elevations. It grows on rather dry fertile soils.
Alpine Cat's-tail is a member of the grass family (Poaceae, also known as Gramineae). The Icelandic name of the Alpine Cat's-tail is Fjallafoxgras.
Timothy is a member of the grass family (Poaceae, also known as Gramineae). The Icelandic name of the Timothy is Vallarfoxgras. The name Timothy refers to Timothy Hanson, an American farmer in the early 18th-century who propagated the use of this grass as a forage grass in the eastern USA, where it was introduced from Europe.