Idaho Fescue


Festuca idahoensis Elmer
Idaho fescue is a densely tufted, native perennial bunchgrass. It is an important component of late successional upper grassland plant communities in southern British Columbia, and is common throughout the U.S. Pacific Northwest. The recognition of Idaho fescue as separate species is questioned by some authors, who consider it a variety of Festuca occidentalis (western fescue). However, it is closely related to the Festuca ovina complex and has long been identified as a separate species.
Roots are fibrous and not rhizomatous. Stems are 30 to 100 cm (12 to 39 in.) tall, densely tufted, and somewhat rough with nodes exposed. Leaf blades are numerous, 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in.) long, and stiff when dry. The seed head is narrow, and 10 to 20 cm long (4 to 8 in.). Spikelets are 5 to 7 flowered. Florets have an awn 2 to 4 mm long.