Red Fescue Festuca rubra

Creeping red fescue is a perennial turf grass in the grass family (Poaceae) native to the Northern Hemisphere.It is found all over the world in meadows, dunes, and open woodlands and is tolerant of many climates. The genus name, Festuca, is Latin for "stem or stalk." The species epithet, rubra, is Latin for "red."

Creeping red fescue is a cool-season bunching grass that goes dormant in the summer. It is used by both wild and domestic animals for forage. It has an arching upright fountain habit and spreads quickly by creeping rhizomes. It is resistant to browsing by deer.

Red fescue does well in part shade and cool climates. It is drought tolerant and requires low to medium fertilizer (typically, 1 to 3 lbs. of nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft.) It can spread by rhizomes. Seeding rates are about 2 to 4 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. Left to its own devices, Red fescue can reach a height of 1 to 3 feet, but the recommended mowing height is 2 to 3 inches.

As a cool-season lawn grass, creeping red fescue is one most fine-textured turf grasses available. It is highly tolerant of shade and is resilient. It can be mowed or left natural for a meadow look. 

For more information, please see the NC State Extension TurfFiles entry for Fine Fescues.

Diseses, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

Slow to rebound from thinning or damage. Susceptible to summer diseases in hot climates.