Fine Fescue
Festuca rubra L. · Cool-season, Perennial, C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Ornamental, Shade Mixture
Variety / Cultivar
Likely a blend containing Creeping Red Fescue or Chewings Fescue
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3-7; high cold tolerance; poor heat/humidity tolerance in southern climates; stays green late into fall.
About This Grass
A delicate, needle-like grass known for its exceptionally fine texture. It presents a deep green to grayish-green color, maintaining a lush appearance even in low-maintenance settings. When unmowed, it flows in a 'meadow-like' fashion. Seed heads are typically narrow, contracted panicles.
Blade Characteristics
Fine width (<2mm), needle-like or bristle-shaped, folded or rolled in bud, pointed tips, deep green color, membranous ligule (short), and absent auricles.
Root System
Varies by type: Creeping Red has short rhizomes; others are fibrous. Generally moderate depth, low thatch tendency, and fast to moderate establishment from seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and parts of Asia; widely naturalized in North America and temperate climates
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (Chewings) and Rhizomatous (Creeping Red); typically forms a dense, fine-textured mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Exceptional shade tolerance (2-4 hours min sun); low water needs once established; high drought tolerance due to low evapotranspiration; prefers well-drained, acidic to neutral soils.
Mowing & Maintenance
1.5 to 3.0 inches; infrequent mowing required; low fertilization (1-2 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year); low maintenance level overall.
Special Characteristics
Industry leading shade tolerance; excellent salt tolerance; moderate wear tolerance; highly resistant to summer patch but susceptible to red thread in wet conditions.
Ecological Information
Introduced in North America; provides soil stabilization in shaded landscapes where other grasses fail; low-input nature reduces chemical runoff; often mixed with Kentucky Bluegrass for shade/sun diversity.