one of eight perennial grasses constituting the genus Holcus (family Poaceae), native to Europe and Africa. It has tufted flower clusters that may be white, green, pink, or purple.

Velvet grass, so called because the entire plant has a velvety feel when touched, was introduced into Australia and North America as a forage species. It now grows as a weed in damp places such as ditches, stream banks, and drainage areas.