Festuca ovina (Sheep Fescue)

Sheep Fescue, Festuca ovina

Native to North America, this is the native 'blue fescue' commonly seen in other nurseies and home improvement stores.  Sheep Fescue is the best choice for a drought tolerant, dwarf ornamental grass. It has moderate shade tolerance and excellent cold tolerance.

Often associated with ponderosa, big sagebrush, and bitterbrush in open spaces and montane to foothill slopes up to 10,000 ft. Low growing -- 6-12 inches, durable and is an excellent lawn replacement. Forms stands in rocky, sunny areas that give a cool and unique texture to the landscape. 

Primarily used a ground cover or lawn replacement, this short bunchgrass is also great as ornamentals, xeriscaping, meadow scaping, and as an understory grass in wildlife yards. Excellent for erosion and weed control thanks to its super dense tufts. Does best in areas with at least 10-12 inches of annual precipitation.