Fine-Leaved Sheep Fescue

(Festuca filiformis)

Fine-Leaved Sheep Fescue (Festuca filiformis)

Ivo Antušek - biolib.cz

Public domain

Image By: Ivo Antušek - biolib.cz

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Copyright Notice: Photo by: Ivo Antušek - biolib.cz | License Type: Public domain | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/public-domain/ | Uploader: Rasbak | Publisher: Wikipedia Commons

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Festuca filiformis, commonly known as Fine-Leaved Sheep Fescue, is a semi-deciduous perennial grass native to open grasslands, meadows, and rocky slopes in Central and Western Europe. It typically grows to a height of 10-60 cm (4-24 inches) and a width of 10-30 cm (4-12 inches), forming dense tufts of fine, needle-like leaves. The plant is characterized by its fine-textured, blue-green foliage and its ability to thrive in poor, well-drained soils. During the flowering season, which occurs in late spring to early summer, Fine-Leaved Sheep Fescue produces inconspicuous greenish-brown flowers that are not particularly showy.

Fine-Leaved Sheep Fescue is valued for its low maintenance requirements, drought tolerance, and fine texture, which make it an excellent choice for rock gardens, xeriscaping, and as a ground cover in sunny areas. It is also used for erosion control on slopes and in restoration projects where its ability to establish quickly is beneficial. This grass prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade and requires well-drained soils. It is not demanding in terms of nutrients and can handle a range of soil types, including sandy and rocky substrates. While generally disease-resistant, it can suffer from rust in humid conditions and may be outcompeted by more aggressive species if not managed.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Grass
Height: 3-6 feet
Width: 2-3 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant

Natural Habitat

Native to open grasslands, meadows, and rocky slopes in Central and Western Europe

Other Names

Common Names: Hair Fescue, Finbladet Svingel, Haar-Schaf-Schwingel, Hapsilampaannata, Fétuque Capillaire, Fétuque Chevelue, Fétuque À Feuilles Capillaires, Fétuque À Feuilles Délicates, Grannsvingel, Fijn Schapengras

Scientific Names: , Festuca filiformis, Festuca tenuifolia, Festuca ovina subsp. tenuifolia, Festuca ovina var. tenuifolia, Festuca ovina var. mutica, Festuca melancholica, Festuca ovina f. hispidispicula, Festuca tenuifolia f. mucronata, Festuca batavica

GBIF Accepted Name: Festuca filiformis Pourr.