Festuca ovina
Festuca ovina
Sheep fescue
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Description
Sheep fescue (Festuca ovina) is a tidy, fine-textured bunchgrass prized for drought tolerance, low-mow lawns, and naturalistic meadows. It forms soft blue-green tufts that stay neat with minimal care, thriving in poor, well-drained soils and cool climates.
Common Names
Sheep fescueSheep’s fescueFine fescueCommon fescue
Context
nativeRegion
Native to Europe, temperate Asia, and North Africa; widely naturalized in North America.
usdaZones
3-7 (may persist in 2 with reliable snow cover; declines in hot summer zones).
companionPlants
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow), Echinacea purpurea (Purple coneflower), Coreopsis verticillata, Salvia nemorosa, Thymus serpyllum (Creeping thyme), Lavandula angustifolia, Sedum (Hylotelephium) 'Autumn Joy', Artemisia schmidtiana 'Silver Mound'
culturalUses
Low-mow or no-mow lawns, meadow mixes, erosion control, grazing, reclamation and slope stabilization, and ornamental edging in rock gardens.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun to light shade; best density with 6+ hours of sun.
WateringLow once established; water deeply but infrequently and let the top 1-2 in of soil dry between waterings; avoid soggy soil.
SoilWell-drained sandy or loamy soils; tolerates poor, rocky sites and a range of pH; avoid heavy, waterlogged clay.
FertilizerMinimal needs. For lawns, a light, slow-release, low-nitrogen feeding in early spring if growth is thin; otherwise skip.
HumidityPrefers low to moderate humidity; more disease-prone in hot, humid conditions.
TemperatureCool-season grass; thrives 60-75°F, hardy about USDA 3-7; tolerates severe cold, may stress above ~85°F.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitDense, tufted bunchgrass with very fine blades; semi-evergreen to evergreen in cool climates.
Mature SizeFoliage 6-12 in tall and 8-12 in wide; flowering stems 12-18 in.
Growth RateModerate; strongest growth in spring and fall.
BloomingLate spring to early summer; airy panicles with inconspicuous greenish flowers aging to tan seedheads.
DormancyCool-season; may go semi-dormant in summer heat and can stay evergreen in mild winters.
Propagation
MethodsSeed, Division
DifficultyEasy
Best SeasonSow seed in early fall or early spring; divide established clumps in spring or early fall.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningComb or shear clumps in late winter to remove old blades; deadhead seedheads if self-seeding is unwanted. For lawns, mow to 3-4 in or leave unmown for a low meadow look.
RepottingIf container-grown, divide and refresh soil every 3-4 years in spring.
Pests & DiseasesGenerally trouble-free; may get rust, red thread, leaf spot, or crown/root rot in humid or waterlogged conditions; turf can be damaged by white grubs.
ToxicityNon-toxic to people and pets; commonly grazed by livestock.
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