Nodding Fescue

Festuca subverticillata

Native to:
Canada, Mexico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Festuca
Species:
Festuca subverticillata
USDA Symbol:
FESU3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
120 cm
Light Requirements:
Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
green

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Indian Skipper (Hesperia sassacus)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes

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

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification. Light may improve germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI