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Fine Fescue

Festuca rubra L.

Red fescue is found in many natural green areas on nearly all types of soils and under widely varying moisture conditions. Red fescue is relatively slow growing in the sowing year, and has very fine leaves and high shoot density. It thrives under a wide range of conditions, but is noted for its tolerance to dry poor soil. It is very resistant to frost and drought, and it tolerates some surface water during the winter. It has excellent shade tolerance.

These are three types of red fescue:

Strong creeping red fescue - Rubra Rubra

Festuca rubra rubra is the most robust and adaptable of the three. By forming strong rhizomes, it is able to close holes in the grass sward very quickly. It tolerates extreme summer temperatures better than other red fescues. Rubra rubra is faster to establish than trichophylla or commutata, and can be used individually or in conjunction with the other types of fescue for lawn renovation.

Slender creeping red fescue - Rubra trichophylla

Festuca rubra trichophyllahas has short rhizomes that promote regrowth, but at a slower rate than rubra rubra. The shoot density is very high, with allows it to withstand close mowing. High salt tolerance makes trichophylla a good partner in mixtures for roadsides and parks where salt is used in the winter on roads and paths. The drought and shade tolerance of is higher than that of other red fescues, and it especially thrives in mild coastal climates.

Chewings fescue - Rubra commutata

Festuca rubra commutata has no rhizomes (bunch grass) but it has the highest density of the three types. When using commutata in mixtures, it is often necessary to add one of the other types of fescue with rhizomes (or Poa pratensis) for regrowth. It has better winterhardiness than other fescues. It is excellent for high traffic areas, especially golf greens.

Click on the names in the green bar at right to view corresponding tech sheets.