Fine Fescue
Festuca subg. Festuca (likely Festuca rubra or Festuca ovina) · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Ornamental, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Likely a mix of Red Fescue or Chewings Fescue
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3-7; excellent cold tolerance, poor heat tolerance in southern climates.
About This Grass
A very fine-textured grass with needle-like blades. It appears here in a mix with white clover, showing significant dormancy or straw-colored desiccation. It forms a dense, soft carpet and has a low growth habit when mowed.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is very fine (<1.5mm), needle-like or hair-like. Shape is folded or involute. Tips are pointed and sharp. Color ranges from medium to dark green when active. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is very short/membranous.
Root System
Varies by type: Creeping Red has short rhizomes, while Hard/Chewings are fibrous bunchers. Generally deep-rooted compared to other cool-season grasses, allowing for excellent drought resistance.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and Asia; widely naturalized in North America and temperate regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type or Rhizomatous (depending on subspecies), forming fine-textured mats
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial Shade to Full Sun; significantly more shade-tolerant than most grasses. Low water requirements once established; enters dormancy to survive drought (as seen in image).
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.5 to 4 inches. Low fertilization needs (1-2 lbs N per 1000 sq ft). Low maintenance level; does not tolerate high heat well.
Special Characteristics
Highest shade tolerance of cool-season grasses. Excellent salt tolerance and drought resistance. Low wear tolerance; does not recover quickly from heavy foot traffic.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization on slopes. Often mixed with Kentucky Bluegrass or Perennial Ryegrass for shade performance.