Blue Fescue
Festuca glauca
Poaceae · grass sedge · introduced
Last updated
Blue fescue (Festuca glauca, Poaceae) is a compact ornamental grass from central and southern Europe, forming a dome-shaped tuft of erect to arching, needle-like blue-gray blades under 1 foot tall. Light green inflorescences tinged purple rise above the foliage in spring and summer.
Blue fescue grows in sun to part shade on well-drained soils with low to moderate water needs, hardy in Zones 4a to 9b. It tolerates drought, dry soil, shallow rocky substrates, black walnut proximity, and urban conditions. Maintenance is low and it attracts butterflies. No significant pest or disease issues are documented. Cultivars include 'Boulder Blue' and 'Elijah Blue,' both selected for intense blue foliage color.