Family: Poaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 74 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Festuca
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: C. & SE. Europe to NE. Türkiye
Description
Amethyst fescue, scientifically known as Festuca amethystina, is an exquisite and revered member of the Poaceae family. This perennial grass, first described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753 in his seminal work “Species Plantarum,” captures the attention with its striking beauty and adaptability.
Thriving primarily in Central and Southeastern Europe, stretching towards Northeastern Türkiye, Amethyst fescue is well-suited to a variety of temperate climates and terrains. The plant exhibits an affinity for slopes and open areas where it can form dense, low-growing tussocks, providing a verdant, amethyst-tinged carpet that shimmers in the sunlight.
The leaves of Amethyst fescue are narrow and needle-like, displaying a lovely blue-green hue that turns more vivid as the plant matures. During its blooming season, which generally spans from late spring to early summer, the species produces delicate, purple-tinged inflorescences. These flowers, held aloft on slender stems, enhance its ornamental appeal and make it a favored choice among gardeners and landscape designers.
Beyond its visual charm, Festuca amethystina is prized for its tough, resilient nature. It possesses a remarkable resistance to drought and poor soil conditions, making it an ideal choice for xeriscaping and low-maintenance landscaping projects. Furthermore, its deep root system helps to prevent soil erosion, contributing significantly to the ecological stability of the areas it inhabits.
Amethyst fescue serves as an effective ground cover, providing shelter and sustenance to various fauna, particularly insects and small mammals, thereby supporting biodiversity. Its ease of cultivation and low-maintenance requirements enhance its desirability for both amateur gardeners and professional horticulturists alike.
In essence, Festuca amethystina embodies both aesthetic allure and ecological function, making it a valuable and beloved component of numerous landscapes across its native range.
Common Names
Deu: amethyst-schwingel
Swe: ametistsvingel
Pol: kostrzewa ametystowa
En: Amethyst Fescue, Hair Fescue
Ar: فستوكة جمشتية
Cs: Kostřava ametystová
Da: Regnbue-Svingel
Fi: Hiusnata
Fr: Fétuque améthyste, Fétuque couleur d’améthyste
De: Amethyst-Schwingel, Amethystblauer Schwingel
Hu: Lila csenkesz
It: Festuca color d’ametista
Ml: അലങ്കാരപ്പുല്ല്
Pl: Kostrzewa ametystowa
Sv: Ametistsvingel
Synonyms
- Festuca capillata (Lam.)
- Poa capillata (Mérat)
- Festuca ovina var. capillata (Alef.)
- Festuca ovina var. amethystina ((L.) Asch. & Graebn.)
Distribution
- Austria (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Italy (native)
- Poland (native)
- Romania (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken May 28, 2022 by Daniel Bäck (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 28, 2022 by Daniel Bäck (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 28, 2022 by Daniel Bäck (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4113725)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:402336-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Festuca amethystina L.)
