Loliinae

Loliinae is a subtribe of grasses within the tribe Poeae of the subfamily Pooideae in the Poaceae. It comprises a diverse group of cool-season grasses that are primarily native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with some species occurring in mountainous tropical regions and elsewhere through cultivation and naturalization.

Genera commonly placed in Loliinae include Lolium (ryegrasses) and Festuca (fescues), along with several related genera such as Vulpia in some classifications. Members of Loliinae are found in a variety of habitats, from grasslands and open woodlands to alpine and subalpine zones. Growth forms range from tufted to rhizomatous, and the inflorescences are typically panicles of small spikelets.

Ecologically and economically, Loliinae is important. Ryegrasses and fescues are widely used for pasture, hay, and turf; their adaptability makes them common in temperate pastures and lawns worldwide. Some species are favored for forage quality or drought tolerance, and others are used for erosion control and revegetation in disturbed or challenging environments.

Taxonomically, Loliinae has been shaped by molecular studies that have refined the circumscription of genera within Poeae. Phylogenetic analyses have clarified relationships among clades within Loliinae and led to revisions in the subtribe’s composition, sometimes reassigning genera based on genetic data in addition to traditional morphological criteria.

Related topics include Poeae and Pooideae.