Alpine Fescue

(Festuca brachyphylla)

Alpine Fescue (Festuca brachyphylla)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Festuca brachyphylla, commonly known as Alpine Fescue or Short-leaved Fescue, is a perennial grass that is deciduous in nature. It is native to alpine and subalpine zones in Eurasia, North America, and the Arctic, where it is found in a variety of habitats including rocky places at high altitudes, wet meadows, stream banks, riverbeds, and dry slopes. Alpine Fescue typically grows to a height of up to 22 inches (56 centimeters) and is characterized by its bright green, tufted clumps that grow without rhizomes, which makes it well-suited for stabilizing soil and preventing erosion.

Alpine Fescue is valued for its hardiness and its ability to thrive in challenging environments, making it an excellent choice for erosion control and revegetation projects in mountainous regions. It is also used in rock gardens and as a ground cover in cold, rugged landscapes. This grass prefers full sun to partial shade and requires well-drained soil. It is relatively low-maintenance, needing only occasional watering once established, and it is tolerant of poor soils and drought conditions. Gardeners should be aware that it may not perform well in hot, humid climates.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 0.3-1 feet
  • Width: 0.3-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden

Natural Habitat

Native to alpine and subalpine zones in Eurasia, North America, and the Arctic, including rocky places at high altitudes, wet meadows, stream banks, riverbeds, and dry slopes

Other Names

Common Names: Rock Fescue, Shortleaf Fescue, Short-Leaved Fescue

Scientific Names: , Festuca brachyphylla, Festuca brachyphylla f. flavida, Festuca brachyphylla subsp. breviculmis, Festuca brachyphylla subsp. coloradensis, Festuca brachyphylla var. arctica, Festuca brachyphylla var. coloradensis, Festuca brachyphylla var. groenlandica, Festuca brevifolia, Festuca brevifolia var. arctica

GBIF Accepted Name: