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Festuca rubra
Festuca rubra L.
Red Fescue
Poaceae (Grass Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: feru2
USDA Native Status: L48 (NI), AK (NI), HI (I), CAN (NI), GL (NI), SPM (N)
This species includes subspecies that are North American natives. However, it also includes subspecies that are not native to North America, e.g. Festuca rubra ssp. fallax, Chewing's Fescue. Non-native taxa are not treated in this database.
From the Image Gallery
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Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Grass/Grass-like
Root Type: Fibrous
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Venation: Parallel
Inflorescence: Panicle
Fruit Type: Caryopsis
Size Notes: Up to about 4 feet tall.
Leaf: Green
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: YellowBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep
Bloom Notes: Flowering time varies over its range.
Distribution
USA: AK , AL , AZ , CA , CO , CT , DC , DE , GA , HI , IA , ID , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MT , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NM , NV , NY , OH , OR , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , UT , VA , VT , WA , WI , WV , WYCanada: AB , BC , MB , NB , NL , NS , ON , PE , QC , SK
Native Habitat: Prairie/Meadow/Field
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Wet
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Clay, Loam
Conditions Comments: Red fescue is not shade tolerant.
Benefit
Attracts: BirdsFind Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
Mr. Smarty Plants says
Plants to control hillside erosion in Vermont
May 23, 2008
Hi, I am trying to do an eagle project that involves putting vegetation onto a hill to prevent erosion. I live in Vermont. What kinds of plants would hold together a hillside and could be planted in ...
view the full question and answer
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACU | FAC | FAC | FACU | FAC | FACU | FACU | FACU | FAC |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Bibliography
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.Search More Titles in Bibliography
Additional resources
USDA: Find Festuca rubra in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Festuca rubra in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Festuca rubra
Metadata
Record Modified: 2022-03-09Research By: TWC Staff