Sheep's Fescue
Festuca ovina
Family: Poaceae or Gramineae
What it is like
Festuca ovina is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Poor, well-drained shallow soils from low to high elevations.
Most of Europe, including Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Seed. No further details but the seed is rather small and would be very fiddly to utilise.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a light well-drained soil in full sun. A drought resistant plant once established, it succeeds on shallow chalky soils. Tolerant of constant cutting, this plant is often grown in lawns.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ. The seed usually germinates within three weeks. Division in spring. Very easy, the clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions.
Best place to grow: Lawn; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist