Festuca pratensis
Description
Morphology
Perennial grass, similar to tall fescue, but shorter (40 – 80 cm), of deep green colour with thinner leaves, rolled vernation and smooth auricles. Inflorescence in small panicles. Grains are coated in lemma and without edge for a TKW from 1.5 to 2.5 g. This is a cross-pollinating species, diploide (2n=14).
Agronomic Characteristics
Benefits
- Resistance to excess water
- Resistance to cold
- Good palatability
- Good digestibility
Limitations
- Slow growth and rooting
- Average productivity
- Sensitivity to drought