// SPECIES PROFILE · GRASS · NATIVE

Red fescue

Festuca rubra ssp. rubra

Red fescue (Festuca rubra ssp. rubra) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes MO — verified against the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center native distribution database. Hardy in zones 1a–11a. Mature size 6"–4'.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: grass
Native range: Native to 44 U.S. states, including AK, AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT…
USDA hardiness: Zones 1a–11a
Mature size: 6"–4'
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Bloom: —
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Red fescue (Festuca rubra ssp. rubra) — *Festuca rubra ssp. rubra* — Red fescue. Photo via iNaturalist — (c) zebedeugalinha, some rights reserved (CC BY).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, red fescue pairs naturally with: Broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia), Red fescue (Festuca rubra), Red fescue (Festuca rubra ssp. arenaria), Toad rush (Juncus bufonius).