Festuca idahoensis ssp. idahoensis

Habit: delicate low-growing tuft grass. Leaves are thin and dark green, with edges that rolls together, making them appear round, they grow 2-14 in (5-35 cm) long. The small florets are grouped into spikelets, typical of grass. The spikelets appear in a panicle inflorescence well above the tuft of leaves. The florets bloom from late spring to mid summer.

Ecology: found in the Western United States and Canada in dry grasslands, arid plains and rocky slopes, from low to subalpine elevations.

Growing Conditions: full sun to partial shade in well drained moist to dry rocky or coarse textured soil.

Idaho fescue is slow to establish but once established, has an abundant growth of fine leaves that provide effective ground cover, and high yields of tough, fine, fibrous roots that control erosion and improve soil structure.