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Festuca ovina (Sheep Fescue)

Sheep Fescue

Festuca ovina, Sheep Fescue
Festuca ovina, Sheep Fescue

Festuca ovina (Sheep Fescue) is a low-growing, cool-season grass forming a densely tufted mound of narrow, stiff, semi-erect, green or gray-green leaves. In late spring to early summer, narrow and dense flowering panicles emerge on stiff, naked stalks well above the tuft of leaves. Sheep Fescue is slow-growing, most of its growth is produced in the spring and again in the fall if moisture is available. Summer growth is minimal and dependent on precipitation or irrigation. Native to Europe, this perennial grass has excellent cold tolerance, good drought tolerance, and moderate shade tolerance. It can withstand fire in the autumn but requires 2 -3 years to recover fully. Long-lived, it does not spread vegetatively by runners but spreads primarily via seed distribution. It is excellent for stabilization of disturbed soils, erosion, and weed control thanks to its extensive root system. Easy to grow and low maintenance, Sheep Fescue performs well as a groundcover and is useful in informal grassland on poor soils.

  • Grows up to 12 in. tall (30 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun or light shade in sand, loam, dry, or moist, well-drained soils. This grass is drought tolerant.
  • Resistant to common turf diseases. Keep an eye out for grasshoppers.
  • Tolerate both regular and close mowing.
  • Native to Europe.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family Poaceae
Genus Festuca
Common names Fescue
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 10" - 1' (25cm - 30cm)
Spread 10" - 1' (25cm - 30cm)
Spacing 12" - 18" (30cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Tolerance Drought
Garden Uses Ground Covers
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Festuca californica (California Fescue)
Festuca rubra (Red Fescue)
Festuca idahoensis (Idaho Fescue)
Festuca glauca ‘Beyond Blue’ (Blue Fescue)
Festuca glauca ‘Blaufuchs’ (Blue Fescue)
Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ (Blue Fescue)

Recommended Companion Plants

Pinus ponderosa (Ponderosa Pine)
Achillea millefolium (White Yarrow)
Artemisia tridentata (Big Sagebrush)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Native Plant Alternatives to Festuca rubra (Red Fescue)
Great Ornamental Grasses for your Winter Garden
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family Poaceae
Genus Festuca
Common names Fescue
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 10" - 1' (25cm - 30cm)
Spread 10" - 1' (25cm - 30cm)
Spacing 12" - 18" (30cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Tolerance Drought
Garden Uses Ground Covers
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
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Festuca (Fescue)
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