Festuca novae-zelandiae

Festuca novae-zelandiae

Native to:
New Zealand

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Festuca
Species:
Festuca novae-zelandiae
USDA Symbol:
FENO

Growth Characteristics

Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jan,feb,nov,dec
Bloom Colors:
green, brown

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Great Basin fritillary (Speyeria egleis), Nevada skipper (Hesperia nevada)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from basal meristems after fire; tussock form protects growing points from moderate fire intensity.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy to loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to grasslands and open areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
14–28 days
Notes:
Germinates readily at 15-20°C without pretreatment. Light may improve germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI