Chewing’s Red Fescue

General Description

Chewing’s red fescue is a long-lived, loosely tufted perennial that usually grows from rhizomes and appears in many forms and variants. Both introduced and native types have been recognized as separate species. Over 100 varieties of this complex are sold in Europe. Some have been introduced to North America and have hybridized with native forms. 

Type

Tame grass.

Origin

Most cultivars are likely to be of European origin, but some may have been bred from germplasm from Europe and North America.

Longevity

Long-lived.

Use

Reclamation, pasture.

Optimal Time of Use

Awned wheatgrass is optimally grazed prior to seed head development.

Recovery After Use

Graze awned wheatgrass once per year. At least four inches (100mm) of stubble should be left after grazing to maintain vigor.

Palatability/Nutritional Value

Awned wheatgrass is palatable until heading. Awn development and coarse stems at maturity reduce palatability. Digestibility ranges from 55% in June to 35% in October and crude protein ranges from 14% in June to 4% in October.

Annual Precipitation min/max (mm)

350mm / 600mm or higher.

Drought Tolerance

Moderate drought tolerance.

Flooding Tolerance

Withstands approximately one to two weeks of spring flooding.

Winter Hardiness

Good winter hardiness.

Soil Texture Preference

Awned wheatgrass is best suited to moist, well drained loamy textured soils in sheltered areas. Awned wheatgrass is found native in moist shady areas such as coulees, on the edges of brush or tree bluffs, or in wet areas around treed sloughs.

Erosion Control

Not noted for erosion control, but is a useful component of reclamation mixes.

Salinity Tolerance

Slight salinity tolerance.

Acidity Tolerance

Slight acidity tolerance.

Alkalinity Tolerance

Low tolerance.

Seeds per kg

271,000 seeds/kg (123,000 seeds/lb)

Suggested Mixtures

Native seed mixtures for higher moisture areas or sheltered areas. Found in reclamation mixes.

Ease of Establishment

Awned wheatgrass is relatively easy to establish.

Competitiveness

Little is known about its competitiveness in pure stands or simple mixes.

Management Considerations

Allowing seed set and drop every few years will foster stand longevity as little is known about the plant’s lifespan. Although awned wheatgrass is a subspecies of slender wheatgrass, little is known about managing it agronomically.