We inherited a few patches of fine fescue on our property that grow in shade under the north side canopies of large crape myrtles on an otherwise full sun lawn. It is an interesting ground cover and we recently made a few transplants to have it growing in some other areas under trees.

Our impressions:

Pros:
- moderately spreading so it is less likely to develop bare spots like tall fescue, will fill in removed patches
- will tolerate moderate foot traffic

Cons:
- will not spread into full sun and grow well there (can be considered a pro due to limited invasiveness but will be a problem for a larger mixed shade/sun area)
- will not grow well in frequently flooded soil
- not likely to achieve the appearance of a formal lawn even if mowed

I love that look and I have a clumping grass that would look great all year in that sort of setting but I don't know what it is except that it is perennial.

I love the Centipede lawn that came with the house - so soft to walk on and left on its own it only gets 5 inches tall so doesn't need mowing (which is good because it is soft enough to choke up the mower).

The only problem I see is what to do about weeds.

Has anyone tried Carex? Many like shade and behave as you all are describing. C. appalachica is fine and doesn't get very tall. In the mts. there is one I thought was a grass but is a Carex. It doesn't need mowing..looks great. It can take sun up there, but probably needs shade in the Piedmont.

Further research supports NCRescue's suggestion of Carex pennsylvanica, among other suggestions. I think I may overseed with a mix of the different creeping and fine fescues and see what comes up! ;)

I get a notice of zoning violation by keep fine fescue long. people need be educated.http://panoramic.webuda.com/lawn.htm