Fescue, Covar Sheep Seed (lb)

Covar Sheep Fescue is a compact, densely tufted perennial for sites where taller, more demanding grasses are a poor fit. Growing to approximately 12 inches, it creates a low understory that can protect soil without dominating wildflowers or other taller plants. Its restrained growth and fine texture make it particularly useful for erosion control, naturalized plantings, and low-maintenance ground coverage.

This cool-season bunchgrass is adapted to well-drained, medium-textured soil and can persist in shallow or relatively low-fertility sites. Established plants tolerate drought and partial shade, with approximately 10–12 inches of minimum annual rainfall noted for suitable dryland locations. It is a useful choice in the Pacific Northwest and other regions where site conditions match its cool-season growth pattern.

Covar establishes in spring or fall when nights are cool, but young stands need protection from aggressive weeds. Plan on controlling competing vegetation for the first one to two years while the bunches develop. This is not a high-production forage grass, although sheep may graze it; it is not recommended as a primary forage planting for cattle or horses. As a nonlegume grass, it does not require Rhizobium inoculant.

• Scientific Name: Festuca ovina
• Growth Habit: Low-growing, cool-season perennial bunchgrass
• Application Rate: 3–5 lb per 1,000 sq ft or 10–20 lb per acre
• Inoculant: Not required. This is a nonlegume cover crop and does not rely on Rhizobium bacteria for nitrogen fixation.
• Germination: Approximately 7 days under suitable conditions
• Plant Height: Approximately 12 inches
• Time to Maturity: Approximately 12 months
• Site Adaptation: Well-drained soil, partial shade, low fertility, shallow soil, and dryland sites receiving approximately 10–12 inches or more annual rainfall
• Uses: Erosion control, wildflower companion grass, naturalized understory, and limited sheep grazing
• Establishment: Seed in spring or fall and control competing weeds for the first one to two years