Science · Turfgrasses
Fine Fescue
Fine-textured, shade- and drought-tolerant grasses used in links-style roughs and low-input lawns.
Festuca rubra & spp. · Cool-season turfgrass
Profile
- Climate
- Cool and coastal; USDA 3–7
- Sun
- Shade-tolerant
- Mowing height
- 1.5–4 in or unmowed
- Spread
- Creeping red: rhizomes; others bunch
- Inputs
- Low fertility and water
- pH
- 5.5–6.5
Water & soil targets
- Moisture (VWC)
- ~15–24%
- Salinity tolerance
- Moderate
- Drought tolerance
- Good
Too much water and nitrogen cause decline.
Problems to watch
- Red thread
- Summer patch
- Leaf spot
Stress signs
- Thinning when overwatered
- Brown tips in heat
Where you'll find it
- Links-style roughs
- Shaded lawns
- Naturalized areas
More turfgrasses
All Science profilesGeneral agronomic guidance and typical ranges; actual targets vary by site, soil, climate and season.