Fine Fescue Mix (likely Creeping Red or Chewings Fescue)
Festuca rubra (subsp. rubra or subsp. commutata) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Erosion Control, Ornamental
Variety / Cultivar
Common or 'creeping' type; specific cultivar indistinguishable from image
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3-7; excellent cold tolerance, poor heat tolerance in the deep South.
About This Grass
Fine-textured, needle-like leaves forming a dense, soft mat. Exhibits a dark green color during active growth but turns a light tan/straw color when dormant or under heavy thatch. Displays a characteristic 'laying over' habit if left unmowed.
Blade Characteristics
Extremely fine/narrow width (<1.5mm), needle-like or bristle-shaped, folded vernation, pointed tip, typically dark green with a dull underside, ligule is very short and membranous, auricles are absent.
Root System
Relatively deep for a cool-season grass but fine and fibrous. Rhizomes allow for moderate spreading and filling in of gaps. Slow to moderate establishment speed compared to ryegrass.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eurasia and North Africa; widely naturalized in North America and temperate regions
Growth Habit
Combination of Rhizomatous (spreading underground) and Bunch-type (clumping)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Highly shade tolerant (prefers partial sun to deep shade), low to moderate water needs, excellent drought tolerance via dormancy, prefers well-drained, acidic to neutral soil.
Mowing & Maintenance
Recommended height 2.5-4.0 inches. Requires less frequent mowing than bluegrass. Low fertilization needs (1-2 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). Susceptible to thatch buildup.
Special Characteristics
Superior shade tolerance, high salt tolerance, low nitrogen requirement, survives well in poor/sandy soils, and resists traffic better than other fine fescues.
Ecological Information
Introduced in North America but widely naturalized. Provides cover for small mammals; excellent for stabilizing shady slopes due to rhizomatous spread. Often used in 'no-mow' or low-input seed mixes.