Ovina
Festuca ovina
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, CT, DE, IL and 12 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Sheep fescue is a fine-textured, clumping native grass that forms neat tufts of blue-green foliage. This drought-tolerant perennial stays compact and evergreen, producing delicate seed heads in late spring and early summer. It works well as a low-maintenance groundcover or accent grass in xeriscaped areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Ovina is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The seed heads provide food for small birds and ground-dwelling wildlife. As a native grass, it supports various insects and contributes to overall ecosystem health.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Ovina fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.