Festuca rubra L. has capability to tolerate unfavorable fly ash properties.
F. rubra has potential for phytoremediation of fly ash deposits.
Toxic amount of As and B and low content of Cu, Mn and Zn in leaves decrease PSII efficiency and photopigments content.
Activation of antioxidant protection can indicate the high adaptive potential of F. rubra.
Native grass has a vital role in ecorestoration management of fly ash deposits.