California Fescue

(Festuca californica)

California Fescue (Festuca californica)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Festuca californica, commonly known as California Fescue, is an evergreen perennial grass native to the chaparral, oak woodlands, and grasslands of California and Oregon. It forms dense clumps without rhizomes and is characterized by its greenish-gray foliage. California Fescue typically reaches heights of 1.5–4.5 feet (0.46–1.37 m) and spreads 1.5–3.5 feet (0.46–1.07 m). The narrow leaves can grow up to 2 feet (0.61 m) long, contributing to its tufted appearance. Flowering occurs in spring and summer, with inflorescences on stems up to 6 feet (180 cm) tall, holding 1 to 2 centimeter-long spikelets in large open sprays. The flowers are not particularly showy but add a fine texture to the landscape. It reproduces via seed and basal buds.

California Fescue is valued for its adaptability to drought conditions and its ability to thrive without summer watering, which is beneficial when planted under Coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia) to avoid root diseases associated with excess moisture. Its deep root system makes it effective for slope stabilization and erosion control. This grass is also used in ecological restoration to reestablish California coastal prairie ecosystems. For optimal growth, it requires full sun to part shade, low to medium water, and well-drained soils. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can suffer from rust diseases in overly moist conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 1.5-4.5 feet
  • Width: 1.5-3.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to chaparral, oak woodlands, and grasslands of California and Oregon

Other Names

Common Names:

Scientific Names: Festuca californica , Festuca californica subsp. californica , Festuca californica var. californica , Festuca californica subsp. parishii , Festuca californica var. parishii , Festuca californica subsp. hitchcockiana , Festuca aristulata , Festuca parishii , Bromus kalmii var. aristulatus , Festuca aristulata var. parishii

GBIF Accepted Name: Festuca californica Vasey