Festuca elata Seeds | Tall Fescue
LATIN NAME: Festuca elata
COMMON NAME: Tall Fescue
Plant Profile
Festuca elata, commonly known as Tall Fescue, is a grass. Tall fescue waves dense clumps of broad, dark green blades, tall, wiry stems of fine, open panicles, and the whole plant carries the sturdy, meadow look of the deep-rooted pasture grass. Leaf blades stay tough and deep green through summer, root system runs deep and holds soil, and clumps spread into thick, forgiving sward. It is one of hardest of pasture grasses, standing up to grazing, drought, and the traffic. Not many plants ask so little and repay so much.
Science & Biotechnology
As part of the Festuca group, Festuca elata contributes to research on plant classification and adaptation, while nurseries and gardeners continue to trial it for cultivation. Pasture scientists rate tall fescue as one of hardest of forage grasses, and studies cover deep roots, drought resistance and ability to hold slopes and the verges. Because it has been grown for so long, its garden habits are thoroughly documented.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Tall Fescue for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Around tall fescue, a practical set of uses has grown. Grazing stock do well on it, turf selections make tough, low-care lawn for dry sites, and deep root mass holds banks and ditches through wet seasons. Seed heads feed birds, dense sward gives cover to ground-nesting life, and it stands up to drought, grazing and traffic alike. Once settled, it thrives on neglect more than on fussing.
Fescues are the backbone of fine lawns and upland pasture, and their roots host the alkaloid chemistry that makes endophyte research a whole field of forage science.
Growing from Seed
Tall Fescue is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Broadcast the seed thinly over a fine, free-draining compost, sieve a little more compost on top, and water with a fine rose. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
The traditional uses covered above are what first made this species worth cultivating. Tall Fescue settles in quickly once it finds its footing. Plant it in sun with drainage to its liking and the rest is easy.
Related Reading
If Tall Fescue appeals to you, these related plants are worth a look: