Hard Fescue

Festuca trachyphylla

Taxonomy

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

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
1-2 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug
Bloom Colors:
blue, green
Ground Cover:
Yes

Native Range

United States: Alabama, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming, Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon

Host Plant for Caterpillars

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

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
thrives in open, sunny areas with minimal competition