216 



FIELD CROP PRODUCTION 



tufts or bunches like orchard-grass. The culms are rather 

 short, when compared with those of other grasses, varying 

 from I5 to 3 feet in height. In the tall fescue, the culms 

 are usually from 3 to 6 inches taller than those of meadow 

 fescue, growing under the same conditions. 

 The leaves of both species have a distinguish- 

 ing shiny appearance, and are an intensely 

 dark green in color. Not many leaves are 

 produced on the culms, but basal leaves grow 

 in great abundance. When the plant is young, 

 the panicle is closed, but as it reaches matur- 

 ity it becomes more spreading and slightly 

 drooping. The spikelets are fairly large and 

 contain several flowers. 



206. Adaptation and distribution. — Meadow 

 fescue is of great importance only in three or 

 four counties in eastern Kansas and western 

 Missouri, although it is grown more or less in 

 meadow and pasture mixtures in the North 

 Central and New England States. In some 

 of the valleys in Washington and Oregon, 

 tall fescue attains considerable importance. 

 Meadow fescue vfiW grow on a variety of 

 soils, but is especially adapted to those of the 

 stiff clay type. 



207. Uses. — While this grass is used both 

 for meadows and for pastures, it is probably better adapted 

 for pasture than for hay. It makes a compact, leafy sod, 

 which stands trampmg well. It grows early in the spring 

 and late in the fall. In palatability it rivals Kentucky blue- 

 grass. It is grown principally for the seed in certain parts 

 of Kansas and Missouri, where it ranks next in importance 

 to the small grain crops. This section supplies the demand 



Fig. 76.— 

 Meadow fes- 

 cue. 



