Tufted Fescue
Festuca airoides
- Native to:
- Austria, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland
Daderot,Salicyna,Salicyna,Kenraiz,Shear, C. L. (Cornelius Lott), 1865-1956,Gray, Asa,Tweedy, Frank, 1854-1937,United States Forest Service,National Science and Technology Center (U.S.),United States. Soil Conservation Service Cleary, C. W,Chickering, John White, 1831-1913 Coues, Elliott, 1842-1899 Dawson, George Mercer, 1849-1901,Lamson-Scribner, F.
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Festuca
- Species:
- Festuca airoides
- USDA Symbol:
- FEAI
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
- Lawn Substitute:
- Yes
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Great Basin fritillary (Speyeria egleis), Nevada skipper (Hesperia nevada)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from basal crown after low-severity fire; adapted to frequent fire regimes.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, rocky or sandy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to alpine and subalpine regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; sow in fall or stratify for 4-8 weeks.