Copyright © 1997-2010 Demand Media. All rights reserved.
The California Fescue (Californica) is generally described as a perennial graminoid. This is native to the U.S. (United States) has its most active growth period in the fall and winter and spring . The greatest bloom is usually observed in the early spring, with fruit and seed production starting in the spring and continuing until summer. Leaves are not retained year to year. The California Fescue (Californica) has a moderate life span relative to most other plant species and a moderate growth rate. At maturity, the typical California Fescue (Californica) will reach up to 4 feet high, with a maximum height at 20 years of 0 inches.
The California Fescue (Californica) is not commonly available from nurseries, garden stores and other plant dealers and distributors. It can be propagated by seed. It has a moderate ability to spread through seed production and the seedlings have low vigor. Note that cold stratification is not required for seed germination and the plant cannot survive exposure to temperatures below 7°F. has high tolerance to drought and restricted water conditions.
| Category | |
|---|---|
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| General Type | Graminoid |
| Growth Period | Fall, Winter, Spring |
| Growth Duration | Perennial |
| Lifespan | Moderate |
| Plant Nativity | Native to U.S. |
| Commercial Availability | No Known Source |
| Bloom Period | Early Spring |
|---|---|
| Displays Fall Colors | No |
| Shape/Growth Form | Bunch |
| Drought Tolerance | High |
| Shade Tolerance | Intolerant |
| Height When Mature | 4 |
| Vegetative Spread | None |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Flower Conspicuousness | No |
| Fruit/Seed Abundance | High |
| Fruit/Seed Seasonality | Spring Summer |
| Seed Spread Rate | Moderate |
| Propagations (Ways to Grow) | Seed |
|---|---|
| Moisture Requirements | Medium |
| Cold Stratification Required | No |
| Minimum Temperature | 7 |
| Soil Depth for Roots | 8 |
| Toxic to Nearby Plants | No |
| Toxic to Livestock | No |
| After-Harvest Regrowth Rate | Slow |
| After-Harvest Resprout Ability | No |
| Responds to Coppicing | No |
| pH Range | 6.1–7.5 pH |
|---|---|
| Precipitation Range | 12–12 inches/yr |
| Planting Density | 0–0 indiv./acre |
| Soil Textures | Fine, Medium |
| Soil Depth for Roots | 8 |
| Minimum Frost-Free Days | 200 day(s) |
| Salinity Tolerance | Low |
| CaCO3 Tolerance | Medium |
| Leaf Retention | No |
|---|---|
| Palatability | Medium |
| Fire Resistant | No |
| Causes Livestock Bloating | None |
Source: USDA, NRCS, PLANTS Database, plants.usda.gov.
National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA
Aspargus Is Coming Up
Zone 5 | Caring
Lettuce Is Coming Up
Zone 5 | Caring
Tomato, Sunchoke Update
Zone 5 | Caring
Filling A Raised Vegetable Bed
Zone 8 | Planting
Plant Eggplant, Peppers, Cucum…
Zone 8 | Planting