Red Fescue (Festuca rubra)

Red Fescue

(Festuca rubra)

Christian Berg

CC BY 4.0

Image By: Christian Berg

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Festuca rubra, commonly known as Red Fescue, is a perennial grass that can be deciduous or semi-deciduous depending on the climate. It is native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, grasslands, and coastal zones in subarctic, boreal, and temperate regions of North America and Eurasia. This grass typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet and can spread 3-8 feet wide. Red Fescue is characterized by its fine, needle-like leaves that are bright green and form a tufted, springy clump. It is less palatable to livestock due to its narrow leaves. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer, with inflorescences that are not particularly showy.

Red Fescue is valued for its ability to thrive in shady conditions and is often used in areas where other grasses might struggle. It is suitable for creating a lush, meadow-like appearance without the need for regular mowing, although occasional trimming can maintain tidiness. This grass is best adapted to well-drained soils in cool, temperate climates. It is commonly used for erosion control, as ground cover in shaded areas, and in naturalistic plantings. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can become invasive outside its native range, so gardeners should check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Grass
Height: 1-2 feet
Width: 3-7.5 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

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

Natural Habitat

Native to open woodlands, grasslands, and coastal zones in subarctic, boreal, and temperate regions of North America and Eurasia

Other Names

Common Names: Creeping Red Fescue , Ravine Fescue , Peiswellt Coch , Rød Svingel , Gewöhnlicher Rot-Schwingel , Rot-Schwingel , Punanata , Fétuque Rouge , Feisciú Rua , Rødsvingel

Scientific Names: Festuca rubra , Festuca rubra var. commutata , Festuca rubra subsp. commutata , Festuca brevipila , Festuca pratensis , Festuca longifolia , Festuca arenaria , Festuca rubra subsp. fallax , Festuca rubra subsp. juncea , Festuca duriuscula

GBIF Accepted Name: Festuca rubra L.