Festuca californica
California Fescue
Description
The California Fescue is a cool season bunchgrass with blue-green blades that reach 2' high. The violet colored flower stalks are 5' tall, appearing in spring and summer, creating fountain-like clumps. This grass is drought tolerant for sun and shade although it looks better with additional summer water. The California fescue is native to CA and is a beneficial insect plant. Plant on dry sunny slopes or on the edge of a dry creek bed.
Plant Type
Perennial, Grass
Height Range
3-6'
Flower Color
Violet
Flower Season
Spring, Summer
Leaf Color
Blue Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Very Low, Extra in Summer
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Loam
Soil Condition
Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
English Cottage, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Wild Garden
Accenting Features
Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer
Location Uses
Perennial Border, Patio, Raised Planter, With Rocks
Special Uses
Container, Erosion Control, Mass Planting
Attracts Wildlife
Wildlife
Water Saving Tip:
Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.