FESCUE

FESCUE – Festuca

Poaceae

Many species of Fescue are used for fodder. The various wild species of fescue can be found in common meadows. It may be a biological indicator for some Fescues, in other words, an organism that provides information on the quality of the environment.

The presence of this species indicates a state of degradation in the environment in which it had developed. Like all graminaceae, the plant is characterised by the ear of grain, the grain itself as well as the formation of straw.

Types

TALL FESCUE

(Festuca arundinacea)

It is a native to cool temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and was introduced to Australia, New Zealand and Patagonia. Native to Italy.

It grows in thin, calcareous, sandy, sun-exposed soil types. It resists the cold well while resisting heat and drought moderately well.

It is suitable for forming permanent meadows and pastures in cold regions and in thin mountain soil types; it is not very productive for haymaking.

Characteristics:

Characteristics	Perennial – Caespitose – Upright – Low stature
Climate Adaptability	Warm and cool temperate
Climate Resistance	Cold, humid and dry
Soil Adaptability	Heavy, clay – Light, sandy – Calcareous
Areas of Cultivation	North and South: mountains and plains
Use	Pasture, Anti-erosion
Particular Attribute	Not very productive

SHEEP’S FESCUE

(Festuca ovina)

Perennial, caespitose grass with very large clusters and a deep root: it is very rustic and demonstrates great adaptility.

It tolerates relatively deep, moist soil types, water stagnation and drought but not for long periods of time, as well as different soil reactions. It resists the winter cold and heat well.

The species has an early-medium development rate.

Characteristics:

Characteristics	Perennial – Caespitose – Upright – Tall
Climate Adaptability	Mediterranean – Warm and cool temperate
Climate Resistance	Hot and cold
Soil Adaptability	It has no problems adapting
Areas of Cultivation	North and South: mountains and plains
Use	Pasture, Hay
Particular Attribute	Excellent adaptability

MEADOW FESCUE

(Festuca pratensis)

Caespitose grass with stems that reach 45-110cm, it forms loose clusters with many shoots. It includes biotypes with various levels of resistance to the cold.

It is the most commonly-grown broadleaf fescue due to its adaptability to different pedoclimatic conditions and its high-quality forage.

It is used for mixed meadows in fresh hill and mountain regions.

It is sown in springtime and emerges after two weeks.

Characteristics:

Characteristics	Perennial, caespitose, upright, tall and medium height
Climate Adaptability	Mediterranean – Warm and cool temperate
Climate Resistance	Hot, cold and dry
Soil Adaptability	Light and sandy – Heavy, clay – Calcareous – Acidic
Areas of Cultivation	North: mountains and plains
Use	Pasture, Hay, Ornamental lawns
Particular Attribute	It prefers cool climates

RED FESCUE

(Festuca rubra)

A perennial rhizomatous grass, which is low in size (about 50cm). It is found in meadows up until the Alpine region.

It does not have many soil or climate requirements. It is resistant to cold and drought if these do not last for extended periods.

It grows in moist soil and also on arid, poor and calcareous soil types.

Typical plant for extensive and frequently-used pastures. It is very resistant to trampling.

It should be sown in springtime, 1-3 Kg/Ha of seed, mixed with other grass species. It does not stifle other plants nor does it become stifled.

Characteristics:

Characteristics	Perennial, caespitose, upright, tall and medium height
Climate Adaptability	Mediterranean – Warm and cool temperate
Climate Resistance	Hot, cold and dry
Soil Adaptability	Light, sandy – Heavy, clay – Calcareous – Acidic
Areas of Cultivation	North: mountains and plains
Use	Pasture, Hay
Particular Attribute	It prefers cool climates