Varioushair Fescue
Festuca heteromalla
- Native to:
- Austria, Baltic States, Belgium, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, Finland, Føroyar, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Poland, Romania, Svalbard, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Festuca
- Species:
- Festuca heteromalla
- USDA Symbol:
- FEHE2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- green, purple
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Pediasia trisecta, topiary grass-veneer (Chrysoteuchia topiaria), Silver-spotted Skipper (Hesperia comma)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers open, sunny habitats
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; surface sow and keep moist.