Festuca ovina. Sheep Fescue is a perennial grass that forms dense tufts of greyish green, bristle-like leaves. It thrives in well drained, poor soil because it forms a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi, through which it gathers moisture, minerals, and nutrients. These in turn become available to nearby plants, which has the effect of increasing the overall soil fertility and introducing other plant species. This grass is an important food plant to a number of moths and butterflies. It flowers from May to June, and it has no rhizomes, so each plant stays where it is planted.
For new turf, broadcast 4-5 lb of seed per 1,000 square feet, or 160-200 lb per acre.
Sheep Fescue is a perennial grass that forms dense tufts of greyish green, bristle-like leaves. It thrives in well drained, poor soil because it forms a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi, through which it gathers moisture, minerals, and nutrients. Continue reading below for tips on how to grow sheep fescue from seed.
Latin
Festuca ovina
Family: Poaceae
Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Hardiness: Sheep Fescue is hardy to Zone 4
Timing
Direct sow outdoors in early to mid-spring. Expect germination in 21 days.
Starting
Sow on the surface, and keep soil just moist.
Growing
Rather dry, infertile soil results in tidier plants, although fescues are highly adaptive, provided good drainage. Sheep Fescue will thrive in full sun to partial shade, but water regularly for best results. Divide clumps every 2-3 years in spring.
