How To Order: This species is sold in quantities of 3 lbs. If you order Qty: 1, you are ordering 3 lbs. Examples: 1 = 3 lbs, 25 = 75 bs.
Common Name: Sheep Fescue
Scientific Name: Festuca ovina
Native / Introduced: Native
Main Uses:
~Rangeland
~Wildlife Habaitat Improvement~Low Mainenance Turf
Height: 6-12 in.
Root Type: Bunchgrass
Growing Season: Cool
Harvest Season: Summer
Soil Types: Most soils, best on well drained medium to fine textures
Tolerances: Weakly saline, alkali and salt
Sun or Shade: Sun, partial shade
Minimum Precipitation: 8-10 inches
Lifecycle: Perennial
Planting Seed Rate: 4-8 lbs/acre
Estimated Seeds Per Pound: 600,000
Optimal Planting Season: Fall/Spring
Planting Depth: 1/4 inch
Stratification Required: None
Description
Sheep Fescue is a short, densely-tufted, drought-tolerant, cool-season bunchgrass with tillers. The grass typically grows to a height of ½ – 1 ft. and is highly variable. It is adapted to a wide variety of soils but performs best on well-drained medium to fine textured soils. Sheep Fescue is an important, palatable forage plant, particularly in early spring when the forage is at its best. It is valuable for range and wildlife habitat improvement, as well as for turf. Additionally, Sheep Fescue is an excellent choice for mining and related soil disturbing activities reclamation. The grass requires a minimum precipitation of 8-10 inches and can be planted in fall or spring.
Sheep Fescue is a very hardy grass and can withstand harsh environmental conditions, including drought and cold temperatures. The grass's small size and dense growth habit make it well-suited for use in revegetation of disturbed areas, particularly where soil erosion is a concern. It is also useful for soil stabilization in areas where erosion is a problem. Sheep Fescue is a valuable species for restoring degraded rangelands, particularly those in arid and semi-arid regions. The grass is an important source of forage for wildlife and livestock and is often used in mixtures with other grasses and legumes to provide a balanced diet for grazing animals.
Resources
NRCS Plant Profile: https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=FEOV
NRCS Plant Guide: https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_feov.pdf
NRCS Fact Sheet: https://apps.itd.idaho.gov/apps/manuals/NativePlants.pdf
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin
