Plant Type

Perennial, Grass

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Summer, Fall

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Low, Extra in Summer

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Native Garden, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Raised Planter, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Mass Planting, Lawn Alternative, Naturalizing

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Wildlife

In height and form this western native is very much like Stipa tenuissima, and they are often found growing in the same areas. It has a very fine texture, which moves in the slightest breeze. Arizona fescue will go dormant in the summer unless watered a couple times per month; left unwatered, it survives, awaiting the coolness of fall. Clumping, with upright arching habit, clump grows 12 to 20 inches; flower stalk grows 20 inches or so. Flowers June and July.

Plant in full to part sun and well drained soils. clay to clay-loam. Provides good erosion control; birds and small wildlife enjoy the seeds. Generally grown from seed.