Hard fescue (Festuca trachyphylla, Rep. Bot. Soc. Exch. Club Brit. Isles 4: 29 (1914 publ. 1915))

Family: Poaceae

Author: (Hack.) Hack.

Bibliography: Rep. Bot. Soc. Exch. Club Brit. Isles 4: 29 (1914 publ. 1915)

Year: 1915

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Festuca

Vegetable: False

Observations: N., C. & E. Europe

Description

Hard fescue, scientifically known as Festuca trachyphylla, is a resilient and versatile grass species prominently found across northern, central, and eastern Europe. Renowned for its adaptability, hard fescue thrives in various environmental conditions, making it a popular choice for lawns, golf course roughs, and erosion control.

This grass belongs to the Poaceae family, which comprises many of the most significant cereal, forage, and lawn grass species utilized globally. Hard fescue is appreciated not only for its durability but also for its fine texture and attractive bluish-green foliage that adds aesthetic value to landscaped areas.

One of the notable characteristics of Festuca trachyphylla is its tolerance to poor soil conditions, including infertile and dry soils. Furthermore, it exhibits excellent shade tolerance, growing well in areas where other grass species might struggle. This makes hard fescue an ideal option for challenging growing environments.

Hard fescue has a dense, tufted growth habit, which helps in minimizing weed invasion, reducing the need for chemical weed control measures. Its deep root system also aids in soil stabilization, proving beneficial in preventing erosion on slopes and embankments.

Moreover, Festuca trachyphylla requires less frequent mowing compared to other turfgrasses due to its slower growth rate. This characteristic, combined with its drought resistance, contributes to lower maintenance requirements and makes it an eco-friendly choice for sustainable landscaping practices.

The origins and formal classification of hard fescue can be traced back to a pivotal botanical report by Hackel, published in the Report of the Botanical Society and Exchange Club of the British Isles in 1914, with the official publication following in 1915. This documentation has played a crucial role in the recognition and study of Festuca trachyphylla within the botanical and horticultural communities.

In conclusion, hard fescue’s robustness, low maintenance needs, and adaptability to various environmental conditions are qualities that make it a valuable grass species for both practical and decorative purposes. Whether used in residential lawns, public parks, or challenging landscapes, Festuca trachyphylla continues to be a preferred choice for creating resilient and attractive green spaces.

Common Names

Eng: hard fescue
Swe: hårdsvingel
En: Hard fescue
Cs: Kostřava drsnolistá
Nl: Hard zwenkgras
Fi: Jäykkänata
De: Raublättriger Schaf-Schwingel, Raublatt-Schwingel, Raublattschwingel, Rauhblattschwingel, Raublättriger Schwingel
It: Festuca indurita
Sv: Hårdsvingel
Cy: Peiswellt caled

Synonyms

• Festuca cinerea var. trachyphylla ((Hack.) Stohr)
• Festuca trachyphylla f. barbulata ((Auquier) Auquier)
• Festuca duvalii f. barbulata (Auquier)
• Festuca duriuscula subsp. trachyphylla ((Hack.) K.Richt.)
• Festuca ovina subvar. trachyphylla (Hack.)
• Festuca longifolia var. trachyphylla ((Hack.) Howarth)
• Festuca brevipila (R.Tracey)
• Festuca stricta subsp. trachyphylla ((Hack.) Patzke ex Joch.Müll.)
• Festuca ovina f. trachyphylla ((Hack.) Jansen)
• Festuca ovina var. trachyphylla ((Hack.) Druce)
• Festuca duriuscula var. trachyphylla ((Hack.) Druce)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• Germany (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Poland (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Alberta (introduced)
• Baltic States (introduced)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• District of Columbia (introduced)
• Finland (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Georgia (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Greenland (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Indiana (introduced)
• Iowa (introduced)
• Kentucky (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Manitoba (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• Minnesota (introduced)
• Mississippi (introduced)
• Missouri (introduced)
• New Brunswick (introduced)
• New Hampshire (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New Mexico (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• North Dakota (introduced)
• Northwest Territorie (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Nova Scotia (introduced)
• Ohio (introduced)
• Oklahoma (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Prince Edward I. (introduced)
• Québec (introduced)
• Rhode I. (introduced)
• Saskatchewan (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• Tennessee (introduced)
• Ukraine (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)
• West Virginia (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)
• Wyoming (introduced)
• Yukon (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 1, 2011 by Pedro Gaspar (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2704949)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60451281-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Festuca trachyphylla (Hack.) Hack.)

Specifications

Growth form: Bunch

Growth rate: Slow

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.5

Ph minimum: 4.5