Festuca califonica (California fescue) 1 gal CG

Species Description: Festuca californica is native to California, but is found throughout the Willamette Valley. Preferring dry to slightly moist well draining soils these plants are found in dry grass land, savanna, and open woodland ecosystems. Their dense fibrous roots help to retain soil while their underground rhizomes break dense soils apart, providing erosion control and aeration to their environments. California fescue reproduces through their underground rhizomes and seed. The rhizomes create clones of the parent plant usually within a couple of feet of the parent plant. The seeds produce wholly new plants to encourage genetic diversity and can be carried far distances primarily by birds. Their seed is develops on flower heads that can be up to 4 feet tall and provide food for an assortment of birds, small mammals, and insects. Their foliage is basal and creates clumps that can grow densely together especially if there is low competition. During the summer months, the new foliage is bright green with the oldest leaves turning brown and creating thatch that provides critical habitat for insect larva, such as caterpillars. Additionally the thatch created from dead and dyeing leaves give nutrients to the soil and act as additional mulch to provide even moisture and temperature control for the plant. 

• Height: 1.5' - 2' (basal foliage)
                 2' - 4' (flower heads)
• Width: 1.5' - 3'
• Watering needs: Dry to lightly moist
• Sun needs: Full - Part Shade
• Soil needs: Well draining dry to lightly moist 
• Bloom Time: mid- to late summer
• Portland Plant List (Backyard Habitat Certification): No

Landscape and ecological function: California fescue, like other fescues in the region, prevent soil erosion, help aerate the soil, and produce food for small birds, mammals, and insects. Akin to what shallow aquatic plants provide for small fish, California fescue's thatch (dead or dyeing leaves) provides critical habitat for beneficial insect larva such as butterflies, bees, and moths. Increased larval activity attracts predator species such as small birds like Chickadees and larger grasshoppers.