Hard Fescue
Festuca trachyphylla
- Native to:
- Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland
iNaturalist: © plnt_nerd (iNaturalist #283639038)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Festuca
- Species:
- Festuca trachyphylla
- USDA Symbol:
- FEBR7
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Lawn Substitute:
- Yes
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Great Basin fritillary (Speyeria egleis), Nevada skipper (Hesperia nevada)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
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
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 14–30 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; sow in fall or stratify for 2-4 weeks.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Ernst Seeds (seeds)
- Ernst Seeds (seeds)
- Ernst Seeds (seeds)
- Ernst Seeds (seeds)
- Ernst Seeds (seeds)
- Ernst Seeds (seeds)
- Native Seed Group (seeds)