Festuca rubra
Red fescue | |
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Spikelets and flowers | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Clade: | Commelinids |
Order: | Poales |
Family: | Poaceae |
Subfamily: | Pooideae |
Genus: | Festuca |
Species: | F. rubra
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Binomial name | |
Festuca rubra | |
Synonyms | |
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Festuca rubra is a species of grass known by the common name red fescue,[1] creeping red fescue or the rush-leaf fescue. It is widespread across much of the Northern Hemisphere and can tolerate many habitats and climates. It is best adapted to well-drained soils in cool, temperate climates; it prefers shadier areas and is often planted for its shade tolerance.[2][3] Wild animals browse it, but it has not been important for domestic forage due to low productivity and palatability.[2] It is also an ornamental plant for gardens.
Description
Festuca rubra is
Like all fescues, the leaves are narrow and needle like, making it less palatable to
Flowers
There are 4 to 10 spikelet flowers, which are up to 15 mm long.
The ligule is very short and blunt.[4]
Cultivation
Festuca rubra, as red fescue or creeping red fescue, is cultivated as an ornamental plant for use as a turfgrass and groundcover. It can be left completely unmowed, or occasionally trimmed for a lush meadow-like look. There are many subspecies, and many cultivars have been bred for the horticulture trade.
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The ligule is very short and blunt.
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Festuca rubra
See also
References
- ^ BSBI List 2007 (xls). Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. Archived from the original (xls) on 2015-06-26. Retrieved 2014-10-17.
- ^ a b "Plant Fact Sheet – Creeping Red Fescue" (PDF). United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 2012-01-16.
- ^ "Healthy Lawns – Red Fescue". University of California. Retrieved 2012-01-16.
- ^ "Festuca rubra – Red fescue" (PDF). BSBI. Retrieved 2010-11-16.
External links
- Festuca Rubra, detailed ecology at the Fire Effects Information System, US Forest Service
- Festuca rubra in the CalPhotos photo database, University of California, Berkeley
- Jepson Manual Treatment: Festuca rubra
- "Tips for Fine Fall Fescue" Archived 2009-01-07 at the Wayback Machine, article at Learn2Grow.com
- USDA Plants Profile – Festuca rubra
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