Festuca idahoensis

Common Names

Idaho Fescue, Blue Bunchgrass, Bluebunch Fescue

Summary

Idaho fescue is a native western North American cool-season perennial bunchgrass that forms dense, tufted clumps with erect culms 25–85 cm tall and basal bluish-green leaves. It is densely cespitose with no rhizomes, and features a panicle 5–15 cm long; spikelets 7.5–13.5 mm and awns 3–6 mm, giving a fine, blue-green appearance.

In cultivation it prefers full sun to partial shade on well-drained loams or sandy soils and is drought-tolerant once established; first-season moisture supports deep rooting, after which irrigation can be reduced. Propagation is by seed; uses include erosion control, wildlife habitat, native landscapes, and grassland restoration; hardy in USDA zones 3–9 (especially 4–8) with low maintenance.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

10 inches-3 feet

Spread

12-18 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3a-8b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained loamy to sandy soils (pH 6.0–8.0)

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.0-8.0

Bloom Color

Greenish, Yellow, Cream

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Blue-green

Fall Foliage Color

Tan or golden

Leaf Lifecycle

Other (summer-dormant; not clearly evergreen or deciduous)

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division (via tillers), Tillers (vegetative propagation), Budding with tillers (vegetative propagation), Plugs

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts butterflies, other pollinators, and birds