Festuca is a genus of perennial or evergreen grass in the family Poaceae, comprising about 300 species. Majority of the species can be found in cool temperate areas like Canada. It is closely related to Lolium (ryegrass) and its pollen is a main contributor to hay fever.
Festuca can be very small in size, about 10cm tall with thin leaves of about 1mm wide, or can be very tall like 2m with large leaves of up to 60cm long and 2cm wide.
Some species of Festuca are important grasses in lawns, golf course, pastures or hay for livestock. They can also be used in soil erosion control programs. Its neat habit can be a good source for edging, gravel and container gardening. Festuca needs full sun and well-drained soil. Propagation is seed in spring and divide in spring.
Festuca cinerea http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Festuca_cinerea_a1.jpg Jerzy Opioła
Festuca versicolor http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Festuca_versicolor_a3.jpg Jerzy Opioła
Festuca rubra http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Festuca_rubra.JPG Thomas Mathis
Festuca eskia http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Festuca_eskia.JPG Henry Brisse
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Festuca_cinerea_a1.jpg
Jerzy Opioła
