California Fescue

1 Gallon

$19.90

1/2

California Fescue

Festuca california

Majestic native bunchgrass for dry shade and meadows.

$19.90

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+1 650-241-8858 (SMS ok)

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

California Fescue is a majestic and resilient native bunchgrass that forms striking, fountain-like clumps of fine, arching green foliage. Its graceful, blue-green leaves create a soft, textural presence in the landscape. In early summer, it sends up tall, airy flower stalks that rise well above the foliage, aging to a golden tan and providing seasonal interest. Exceptionally drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, it is a cornerstone plant for naturalistic meadows, dry shade under oaks, and sustainable, water-wise landscapes.

Majestic Fountain-Like Clump: Forms large, elegant mounds of fine, arching blue-green to gray-green leaves.
Tall, Airy Summer Flower Stalks: Produces delicate, upright flower panicles in early summer that persist attractively into fall.
Exceptional Drought Tolerance & Shade Adaptability: Once established, it thrives with no summer water and is uniquely tolerant of dry shade, making it ideal under native oaks.
California Native & Ecologically Vital: Provides essential habitat and food for birds, butterflies, and other native wildlife.
Low-Maintenance & Deer Resistant: Requires no pruning or special care. Simply comb out dead leaves in fall or cut back in late winter.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Features:Foliage: Fine-textured, needle-like, soft green leaves that are upright and smooth, forming a dense fountain-like clump.Flowers: Tall, narrow, upright flower panicles appear in summer, aging to a showy golden-amber color.Habit: Semi-evergreen perennial grass with a graceful, arching fountain form. Sun-loving, cold and drought tolerant, adaptable to poor soils and slightly saline conditions; thrives in dry to semi-dry environments. Often used for erosion control and soil stabilization.
Mature Height: 2–3 ft
Mature Width: 3–5 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Key Advantages:Fine-textured, elegant foliage provides year-round structure.Attractive flower panicles that persist into fall.Extremely drought tolerant and low-water once established.Excellent for erosion control on slopes
Landscape Uses:Water-wise and xeriscape gardens.Erosion control on banks and slopes.Native plant and meadow gardens.As an accent or mass planting in borders.Coastal and seaside landscapes

Q: Can it grow in full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade. In hotter inland areas, some afternoon shade is beneficial. Its unique value is its ability to flourish in the dry shade under trees where few other plants succeed.

Q: How do I keep it looking tidy?
A: In late winter, you can cut the entire clump back to about 6 inches to remove old foliage and make way for fresh spring growth. Alternatively, simply comb through the clump with your hands or a rake to remove dead leaves.