Fineleaf Sheep Fescue
Festuca filiformis
- Native to:
- Algeria, Austria, Baltic States, Belgium, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Morocco, Netherlands, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Festuca
- Species:
- Festuca filiformis
- USDA Symbol:
- FEFI
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- green, purple
- 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
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Commonly found in heathlands and acidic grasslands
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 14–30 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification.