Sheep fescue

Festuca ovina

Cool season, long-lived, perennial bunchgrass similar to Hard fescue (F. brevipila) but more drought tolerant and with a more extensive root system. Adapted to various soil types; tolerant of weakly saline to alkaline and acidic sites. Sometimes misclassified as a native due to its widespread and longstanding naturalization. Primarily used as groundcover and soil stabilizer on erosion control projects such as roadsides and recreation areas. Tolerance to moderate equipment traffic makes it useful in vineyards, orchards and equipment yards. Often included in wildflower seedings and sometimes as a low maintenance turfgrass or ornamental. Attractive blue-green color. The most drought tolerant and water efficient of all the Cool season turfgrasses. (See Turfgrass section.)