Fine Fescue (mixture)
Festuca spp. (includes Festuca rubra and Festuca ovina) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Likely a 'Hard' or 'Creeping Red' Fescue blend
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3-7; excellent cold tolerance; poor heat tolerance in humid high-temperature regions.
About This Grass
A fine-textured grass appearing needle-like with a medium to dark green color when hydrated. It is currently exhibiting dormancy and desiccation characterized by tan, straw-like blades mixed with surviving green shoots.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is very fine (<1.5mm), needle-like/involute (rolled), pointed tips, folded vernation, no auricles, and a short/membranous ligule.
Root System
Fibrous and relatively deep for its size; low to moderate thatch tendency; slow recovery but high endurance in poor soils.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and Northern Asia; well-adapted to Northern US and Canada
Growth Habit
Combination of Bunch-type (Hard fescue) and Rhizomatous (Strong creeping fescue)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Exceptional shade tolerance; low water requirements once established; prefers well-drained, acidic to neutral soils; high drought avoidance but goes dormant quickly in extreme heat.
Mowing & Maintenance
1.5 to 3.0 inches; low frequency; low fertilization (1-2 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year); minimal dethatching needed.
Special Characteristics
Highest shade tolerance of cool-season grasses; excellent salt tolerance; slow to recover from heavy traffic/wear; high drought resistance through dormancy.
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for soil stabilization in low-maintenance areas; provides cover for small insects; often blended with Kentucky Bluegrass for shade adaptation.