Festuca californica is a species of grass known by the common name California fescue. This fescue species is native to the U.S. states of California and Oregon, where it is a member of many plant communities, including chaparral and oak woodlands, the former of which can be found in both Northern and Southern coastal California and the latter in Central and Northern California.

Description

Festuca californica is a clumping perennial bunch grass, without rhizomes, that grows in greenish gray tufts. It reaches anywhere from 1.5 - 4.5 ft in height, and 1.5 - 3.5 ft in width. The green-gray leaves are narrow, and can reach 2 ft long. Festuca californica has a yellow color when it blooms. Peak blooming time is March, April, May, June, July. The inflorescence, on stems reaching up to 6 ft, holds spikelets, which are each 1 to 2 centimeters long. The flowers are in large open sprays, in the spring and summer. The plant reproduces from seed and from buds located at the base of the clump.

Uses

Cultivation

Festuca californica is cultivated as an ornamental grass by specialty plant nurseries, for planting in traditional gardens and as a potted plant, for drought-tolerant and wildlife gardens, and for natural landscaping projects. It is planted under Coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia) in gardens, being a drought-tolerant understory not requiring summer watering that can endanger the trees. It is also planted in landscapes for slope stabilization and erosion control, due to its deep and dense network of roots. Its light requirement makes it necessary for it to be planted in part shade conditions.

Cultivars

Cultivars are grown, with different foliage color and texture aesthetic variations, they include:

Restoration

In ecological restoration projects, Festuca californica is used with other local native grasses for restoring California coastal prairie habitats.

Native Americans

People native to California such as the Pomo people thatched their houses with Festuca californica in order to provide warmth during cold seasons.