Idaho Fescue (Festuca idahoensis) - This grass is an attractive, fine bladed tufted perennial bunchgrass. Idaho fescue is tolerant of weakly saline, weakly alkaline and acidic soil conditions. One of the most common and widely distributed grasses throughout the Western U.S.  It prefers silt loam or sandy loam soils and is occasionally found on loamy sand soils. Exposed benchlands, hillsides and ridges, parks, meadows, forestlands, and open ponderosa and lodgepole pine stands are common habitats.  It is an excellent range grass and useful in erosion control and is frequently a component of native seed mixtures. This versatile grass is an excellent choice for planting under oaks and other trees as it is moderately shade tolerant. It provides valuable forage for wildlife while adding texture and color contrast to the landscape.

It grows on all exposures and under a wide variety of soil conditions.  It has excellent cold tolerance, moderate drought tolerance, and moderate shade tolerance. It is not as drought tolerant as sheep fescue and its drought tolerance is similar to that of hard fescue. It is not tolerant of high water tables or flooding. It produces an extensive, deep root system an is excellent for erosion control.  Its drought tolerance, combined with extensive root systems and good seedling vigor, make this species ideal for reclamation in areas receiving 14 to 20 inches of annual rainfall.

Idaho fescue is a good forage for all types of domestic livestock especially cattle. It is good year-around forage for elk and is grazed in spring by deer. Idaho fescue matures later in the growing season than most other range plants; therefore, it is particularly useful for late season grazing. All classes of livestock relish it in the spring, as well as later in the season where it grows on north slopes or in cooler, moister sites and where the herbage remains tender. It is sensitive to overgrazing; therefore, it is recommended to leave at least 50% of the annual growth (or a 2 – 3 inch stubble height). Idaho fescue habitat extends from 1,000 to over 13,000 ft, though most prevalent from about 5,000 to 8,000 ft.

• Choice forage grass for cattle and wildlife
• Habitat extends from 1,000 to over 13,000 ft.
• Grows in full sun to partial shade
• Adapted to a wide variety of soil conditions
• Excellent cold tolerance
• Moderate drought tolerance
• Moderate shade tolerance
• Seeding Rate: 5 - 10 lbs per acre