FESTUCA. Worldwide, in temperate regions. Except for the lawn fescues and the ubiquitous blue fescue, F. cinerea, this group was long ignored for ornamental use. Finally public interest in these and other perennial bunchgrasses seems to be taking off. The following selections make thick hummocks of narrow leaves. Their slender, wand-like flowering stems bear airy sprays of flower and seed heads. Though attractive for border use, they are best appreciated en masse on banks and hillsides, where they can also assist in erosion control. Sun or (for some species) light shade, well drained soil, moderate to no supplemental watering when established. The following should all be hardy to 10^oF. or less.

amethystina ‘Superba’. A beautiful small fescue, making tight 8-12" clumps. The leaves are quite narrow and dark bluish green in color. In late spring and early summer it bears feathery, pink-tinged flower clusters on 12-18" stems.

tenuifolia. This species is noted for its thread-like, gracefully arching 6-10" leaves, which form little mops. The leaves are light to bright green in this selection. It seems to be a shy bloomer in cultivation. Well drained soil is a must!