Relevant foxtail grass is a perennial grass plant ranging from 30 to 105 cm in height, characterized by a dense root system and straight, hairless stems with nodal hairs. Leaves are small and flat, with widths ranging from 0.4 to 1.2 cm, usually without hairs, while lower leaf blades may be slightly bristly. Panicles growing at the tops reach lengths of 10 to 25 cm and are covered with short branches, sometimes with scattered thorns. Spikelets are narrowly lanceolate, ranging from 1.5 to 30 cm in length, containing five to twelve flowers colored in a pinkish-purple or greenish hue.
This variety of foxtail grass is widely distributed across northern and mid-northern regions of Russia: from the European part of the country through the Urals and Western Siberia to Eastern Siberia, as well as in Arctic areas. The plant prefers sandy and gravelly soils in river valleys, shoreline zones, gravelly slopes, and scree, where it forms dense meadows and shrubs. Relevant foxtail grass is a mesophyte capable of surviving in harsh climatic conditions thanks to its perennial nature and strong root system.
In terms of agriculture, Relevant foxtail grass is valuable as a forage plant: its hay is less coarse compared to other foxtail grass varieties, and the grain (awned) is 14 to 19 mm long and about 2 mm wide. The plant improves soil fertility, does not lag behind oat grass in forage quality, and can be used for both pasturing and haymaking. Due to its ornamental value, it is also used in lawn greening, slope stabilization, and bareland restoration.
Cultivation of Relevant is promising in northern regions of Russia, where it can adapt to cold winters and provide a stable forage yield for farm animals. Its anemophilous (wind-pollinated) nature contributes to the widespread distribution and resilience of the species in various ecosystems.
