Festuca altaica

Common Names

Altai Fescue, Northern Rough Fescue, Rough Fescue

Summary

Altai fescue is a densely tufted perennial bunchgrass with short rhizomes, producing culms 60–100 cm tall and stiff, rough leaves 2–4 mm wide. The open panicle inflorescence bears spikelets 8–14 mm long that are purple to brown, giving a distinctive appearance during flowering. Native to circumboreal regions of Asia and North America, it occurs in Arctic tundra and boreal/subalpine habitats from Alaska to Michigan and across Siberia and parts of Asia.

Preferring well-drained mesic to dry meadows, Altai fescue tolerates cold climates and is shade-intolerant. It requires disturbances such as grazing or fire to maintain openings, with prescribed spring burns recommended and late-spring burns to be avoided. In landscape and management contexts, it serves as an erosion-control and ornamental species and as forage for livestock.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1-3.5 feet

Spread

10-20 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, partial shade also acceptable.

Soil Type

Well-drained loam soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Bloom Color

Purple

Bloom Time

Late Spring to Fall

Foliage Color

Green, yellow-green to dark green, blue-green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Not specified

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Tillers, Rhizomes

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds