Arizona Fescue

(Festuca arizonica)

Arizona Fescue (Festuca arizonica)

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Summary

Festuca arizonica, commonly known as Arizona Fescue, is a perennial grass native to the pine forests and grasslands of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It typically grows up to one meter tall with a clumping habit, and its deep, fibrous root system makes it effective for erosion control. The stems are rough-textured, and the blue-green leaf blades, which resemble strings, can reach up to 10 inches in length. The inflorescence is a branching array up to 20 centimeters long, varying from narrow to somewhat open. Arizona Fescue blooms from late spring to early summer, with flowers that are not particularly showy but add a fine texture to the landscape.

Arizona Fescue is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to grow in shaded conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping and naturalized areas. It is also used as an ornamental grass in gardens, where its blue-green foliage provides color contrast. While it does not tolerate heavy foot traffic, it is ideal for low-maintenance areas. For best results, it should be grown in part shade to full sun, with low water requirements, and in well-drained soils. It is relatively disease-free but can suffer from rust in wet conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 0.5-3 feet
  • Width: 0-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade, Full Sun
  • Water: Medium, High
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to pine forests and grasslands of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Pinegrass, Mountain Bunchgrass

Scientific Names: , Festuca arizonica, Festuca pinetorum, Festuca ovina var. arizonica, Festuca vaseyana, Festuca scabrella var. vaseyana, Festuca altaica subsp. arizonica, Festuca scabrella var. asperrima,

GBIF Accepted Name: Festuca arizonica Vasey