Altai fescue (Festuca altaica)

Other names: Festuca scrabella, fescue grass

Altai fescue, also known as Festuca Altaica or Festuca scrabella, is a robust, spiny grass native to areas of North America and Europe. It is popular for its resistance to cold and drought, as well as its ability to survive in harsh conditions such as areas with high salinity, extreme temperatures or poorly fertile soil. Altai fescue produces a number of small, stiff leaves that are usually colored blue-green and have a sharp terminal tip. The flowers growing on the ear are usually pale yellow to white.

Products that use Altai fescue are primarily aimed at the horticultural and agricultural fields, but it can also be found in a number of other industries. Altai fescue is often used as a decorative element in gardens or parks because of its attractive appearance and resistance to adverse conditions. Because of its toughness and resilience, it is also grown as a grazing grass for livestock, which is high in fibre. In some cases, Altai fescue is also used in the industrial sector to produce biomass, which serves as a renewable energy source. Its strong and viable roots can also serve as a natural erosion barrier, making it useful for land reclamation in areas affected by overgrazing or severe erosion.