Red Fescue - Festuca rubra
Family - Poaceae
Also known as - Creeping Fescue

Red Fescue - Festuca rubra, click for a larger image, photo licensed for reuse CCASA2.5
Photo ©2005 James K. Lindsey
Click photo for a larger image

A low growing tuft–forming grass with bright green narrow leaves grows spread by long creeping underground rootstocks, from which the overground stems and shoots arise from the joints of the roots in meadows, pastures and lawns.  A panicle of four to ten reddish flower spikes each to 15mm (0.6in) long that are a purple–green colour.  Botanical description for Rubra

It is found worldwide and can tolerate many habitats and climates.  Red fescue as sub–species cultivars are used for lawns and ground cover, it is also used for fodder and a forage grass.  A food plant for the Marbled White and Gatekeeper butterflies, Red Fescue grows to around eighteen to thirty six inches high.

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