Fine Fescue (likely Strong Creeping Red Fescue)
Festuca rubra subsp. rubra · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Pooideae, Tribe Poeae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Shade-tolerant mixture, Erosion control
Variety / Cultivar
Common representative of Creeping Red Fescue; specific cultivar not identifiable from image alone.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3-7; excellent cold tolerance, poor heat tolerance in humid southern climates.
About This Grass
A fine-textured grass with needle-like leaves, appearing dense and delicate. Color is typically deep green to grey-green, often showing reddish-brown hues at the base of the stems.
Blade Characteristics
Fine width (<1.5mm), rolled/involute shape appearing needle-like, pointed tips, dark green color. Vernation is folded, ligule is very short/membranous, and auricles are absent.
Root System
Abundant fibrous roots with short, slender rhizomes. High thatch tendency due to slow decomposition of high-lignin leaves; moderate establishment speed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and temperate Asia; well-adapted to Northern North America and mountain regions.
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous (creeping), though forms dense mats that can appear bunch-like. Moderately slow rate of spread compared to bluegrass.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial Shade to Full Sun; best shade tolerance of cool-season grasses (4-6 hours sun). Low water needs once established; high drought tolerance through dormancy.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 1.5 to 3 inches; can be left unmowed for a 'meadow' look. Low fertilization (1-2 lbs N per 1000 sq ft/year); low to medium maintenance.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance, high salt tolerance, and high drought resistance. Low traffic tolerance—prone to damage from heavy foot traffic.
Ecological Information
Introduced and naturalized in North America. Provides cover for small mammals; excellent for stabilizing slopes in shaded or sandy areas.