Festuca subverticillata
This genus is characterized by many-flowered spikelets, rounded
on the back, with unequal, acute glumes that are shorter than the
first lemma. Lemmas are usually awned in our species and the
awn is terminal. Leaves are often very thin or even involute in
our species.
7 species in MN; 3 native
Common species:
Festuca subverticillata (fess two' kah sub ver tih sill lay' tah)
Synonyms: Festuca obtusa Common names: nodding fescue Origin and habitat: Native; moist, rich wooded habitats Identifying characters: A tall perennial with clustered stems, broad leaves, and tiny ligules (less than 1 mm). Inflorescences are panicles with scattered spikelets, mostly with 2-4 florets each. The branches are sharply 3-angled. Lemmas are acute and awnless (unusual for the genus). Comments: One of the earlier (early summer) grasses to flower. It has been suggested that this may have been used for grain by pioneers and Indians (W.G. Dore and J. McNeill, 1980, Grasses of Ontario, Monograph 26, Research Branch Agriculture Canada). A close relative, blue fescue (Festuca ovina), is often planted as a color accent in gardens; producing a small dense mound of bluish foliage with a hedgehog-like appearance. MAPS ADDITIONAL SPECIES IN MINNESOTA: F. brachyphylla F. elatior F. ovina F. pratensis F. rubra F. trachyphylla Next genus Return to technical key