Greenleaf Fescue
Festuca viridula
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
iNaturalist: © mhays (iNaturalist #37241889)






Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Festuca
- Species:
- Festuca viridula
- USDA Symbol:
- FEVI
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
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 buds following fire; common in montane meadows with periodic fire history.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, rocky or sandy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- often found in alpine and subalpine meadows
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Cool temperatures (15-20°C) promote best germination. Light may improve germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: 90 days of cool/moist stratification
Establishment: The plant is generally distributed in the western United States and Canada. The seeds are grown and harvested at J. Herbert Stone Nursery, Central Point, Oregon.
Source: npn.rngr.net