To Grass Species

Hard Fescue (Festuca longifolia)

Plant Species
From Montana Interagency Plant Materials Handbook *
 By S. Smoliak, R.L. Ditterline, J.D. Scheetz, L.K. Holzworth, J.R. Sims, L.E. Wiesner, D.E. Baldridge, and G.L. Tibke

Hard fescue is a hardy, drought-resistant bunchgrass introduced in England from Germany during the 19th century and subsequently introduced into North America. This species is closely related to our native Idaho fescue both in appearance and range of adaptation. It is a heavy root producer, averaging 5 to 7 tons per acre in the upper 8 inches of soil. Established plants are long-lived and generally improve with age.

Description

Hard fescue is a medium-tall, semierect, densely-tufted bunchgrass. The narrow, tightly-infolded leaves are greyish-green or slightly bluish-green. The panicles are erect, narrow, oblong, loose or becoming contracted. Seed heads vary from 1 to 5 inches long. The spikelets are four- to nine-flowered, breaking up below the lemma at maturity. The slightly unequal glumes persist after seed shatter. The narrow, long seed has a fine, rough awn up to 1/4 inch long. Seed head is suspended well above the forage on stiff, naked culms.

Adaptation

Hard fescue is adapted to a wide range of soil conditions in areas of 12 inches or more annual precipitation. Performance is best on well-drained soils. It does well on low-fertility sites and in shaded areas. Hard fescue tolerates medium-acid soils, making it more adapted to forested and foothill regions rather than open prairies. Neither elevation nor time-of-frost limits its adaptation.

Limitations

Hard fescue will not tolerate "wet feet" or saline-alkaline soils. Although this species has very good seedling vigor, it is slow to develop. The fine leaves of the seedlings are unable to emerge through much of a crust on the soil surface.

Use for Hay

The dense tufts of short, relatively-tough leaves makes mowing difficult. It has been used as a companion grass to alfalfa or clover for hay, even though it does reduce hay yields, and its massive root system contributes large quantities of organic matter. The short, dense tufts of grass are actually ideal for low maintenance cover along highway right-of-ways, airports and forest trails.

Use for Pasture

Hard fescue is not readily grazed by livestock, but is used by wildlife. It performs well in mixtures, even with crested wheatgrass on drier sites. Its primary use has been for soil protection on disturbed soils in the forested regions, and as a cover crop in irrigated orchards and windbreaks. General grazing use is of secondary importance.

Seed Production

This seed can be harvested by direct combining or swathing and combining out of the windrow. Because the seed readily shatters, swathing is advised. Expected seed production is 300 to 400 pounds per acre on dryland (16-plus inches precipitation) and 500 pounds per acre on well-drained, irrigated land. Stands will produce for up to five years. The flow and handling of the seed will be improved by light hammermilling or debearding under cool, dry conditions. Seed viability will remain at 70 percent or above for up to 10 years.

* The Montana Interagency Plant Materials Handbook (EB69) is no longer in print, but is available for viewing in
Montana County Extension Service and National Resource Conservation Service Offices.