Western Fescue
(Festuca occidentalis)
Western Fescue (Festuca occidentalis)
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Karen and Mike
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Karen and Mike
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Karen and Mike | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Karen and Mike | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-06-30T20:44Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Festuca occidentalis, commonly known as Western Fescue, is an evergreen perennial grass native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, grasslands, and mountain meadows in the Western United States, Western Canada, and Alaska. It is not typically found in the northern Great Lakes region. This grass typically reaches a height of 3 feet (0.9 meters) and a width of 2 feet (0.6 meters), forming dense tufts with fine-textured, blue-green foliage. The inflorescences are subtle, with flower spikes appearing in late spring to early summer, adding a delicate texture to the landscape.
Western Fescue is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in a range of conditions, making it suitable for naturalistic plantings, erosion control, and as a component of meadow gardens. It is often used in restoration projects and xeriscaping due to its low water requirements. Western Fescue prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a variety of soil types, from sandy to clay. It is adaptable to both full sun and part shade, though it may produce the best foliage color and density in full sun. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to rust diseases under certain conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Western Fescue is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in a range of conditions, making it suitable for naturalistic plantings, erosion control, and as a component of meadow gardens. It is often used in restoration projects and xeriscaping due to its low water requirements. Western Fescue prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a variety of soil types, from sandy to clay. It is adaptable to both full sun and part shade, though it may produce the best foliage color and density in full sun. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to rust diseases under certain conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 1.5-2.5 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands, grasslands, and mountain meadows in the Western United States, Western Canada, and Alaska
Other Names
Common Names: Fétuque De L’Ouest, Fétuque Occidentale
Scientific Names: , Festuca occidentalis, Festuca ovina var. polyphylla, Festuca occidentalis var. occidentalis,
GBIF Accepted Name: Festuca occidentalis Hook.