Festuca alopecuros, commonly known as Foxtail Fescue or Wire Grass, is a perennial grass native to a variety of habitats including grassy meadows, roadsides, and open woodlands across Europe, Northern Africa, and Western Asia. It exhibits a moderate growth rate, reaching heights of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) and spreading 0.5-1 feet (0.2-0.3 meters). The plant forms dense tufts of fine, needle-like leaves that are a deep green color, providing textural contrast in garden settings. Its flowers are green and rather inconspicuous, appearing in airy panicles in the spring. The flowers are not particularly showy, but they add a subtle charm to the plant’s overall appearance.

Foxtail Fescue is valued for its low maintenance requirements and its ability to thrive in a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and gardens with medium water availability. This grass is often used in ornamental plantings, as ground cover, or for erosion control due to its dense growth habit. It prefers full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soil to prevent root rot. While it is not known for serious disease or pest issues, it can spread outside its native range, so gardeners should consult local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0