Festuca asperula

Graceful Fescue

Bluish tufted perennial grass. May spread from underground stems.

FamilyPoaceae
StoreyLower storey
Sizeto 30 cm, stems to 1.2 m high
Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
LeavesRough, inrolled or folded leaves to 30 cm x 1 mm. Sheaths smooth, brown, pale or purplish.
Flower colourPale green to purplish
Flowering timeNovember to February
FlowersNarrow loose flowerhead to 25 cm long, branchlets mostly erect. 3-7-flowered spikelets, 1-veined on lower bract, 3-veined on upper. Lower floral bracts narrow, rounded, rough near top, single bristle. Tip hairless.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsDry soil in forests at higher altitudes. Frost and snow tolerant. Full sun, semi shade.
Garden usePlant under a canopy in drier areas or on embankments.
Commercially availableNever
Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known only from Mt Dandenong. More common in the eastern highlands.