California Fescue (Festuca californica)

California fescue (Festuca californica) is a fast-growing perennial grass. It grows in clumps that spray out from the center to 3 feet wide and can reach 4 feet tall. The rough leaves are narrow but long, hosting butterflies and moths. California fescu is often used for revegetating grassland that has been cleared or claimed by non-native grasses. It prefers loamy or clay soils, grows poorly in sandy soils and tolerates serpentine soil.  It grows in full sun or part shade and takes very low water.  In summer, once established, it can be watered only 3 times per month. From Calscape.

Grower: Larner Seeds

Other Names Used: 

Family: Poaaceae

Life Cycle: Perennial

Plant Type: Grass

Sun Exposure: Full, Partial

Bloom Period: Winter, Spring (February to April)

Bloom Color(s): Yellow

Plant Height: 1-4 feet tall

Plant Width: 3 feet wide

California Regions:

• San Francisco Bay Area
• North Coast
• Central California Coast
• Southern Coast
• Southern California Inland
  

Ecological Benefits:

• Drought Tolerant
  
• Deer restistant
• Attracts pollinators, birds, wildlife
  

Ecological Functions:

• Lawn alternative
• Groundcover

Habitat Type:

• Chaparral
• Douglas Fir Forest
• Mixed Evergreen Forest
• Yellow Pine Forest

Human Uses/Cautions: 

Skill Level: Beginner

Seed Pretreatment: None