Nodding Fescue

Festuca subverticillata

Nodding Fescue

Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA NRCS. 1995. Northeast wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. Northeast National Technical Center, Chester. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute.

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Festuca
Species:
Festuca subverticillata

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
4-6 ft
Light Requirements:
Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
apr, may
Bloom Colors:
Yellow
Ground Cover:
Yes

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Canada: Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Indian Skipper (Hesperia sassacus)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
good drainage preferred
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers shaded woodland environments