How To Order: Quantity options listed represent bulk weights. Examples: 1 = 1 lbs, 25 = 25 bs. 
 
 
Common Name: Idaho Fescue
Scientific Name: Festuca idahoensis
Native / Introduced: Native
Main Uses:
~Erosion Control/Forage for Wildlife and Livestock
Height: 1 1/2 - 3 feet
Root Type: Bunchgrass
Growing Season: Cool
Soil Types: Most soils, but prefers silt or sandy loam
Tolerances: Weakly saline, alakali, and acidic
Sun or Shade: Full Sunlight
Minimum Precipitation: 14 inches
Lifecycle: Perennial
Planting Seed Rate: 3-6 lbs/acre
Estimated Seeds Per Pound: 450,000
Optimal Planting Season: Late Fall
Planting Depth: 1/4 inch
 
Description
Idaho fescue is a cool-season, densely-tufted, bunchgrass that is widely distributed in the western United States, growing at elevations from 1,000-10,000 feet. It can grow on all soil textures but prefers silt or sandy loams. Idaho fescue is weakly saline, alkali, and acidic soil tolerant, and can grow on all exposures. It has excellent cold-tolerance, moderate drought-tolerance, and fair fire-tolerance. Idaho fescue provides fair to excellent forage for both wildlife and livestock. Its extensive deep root system provides excellent erosion control, and it has fair seedling vigor. Idaho fescue is a very valuable native grass for restoration of adapted sites in the west.

In terms of management, Idaho fescue is best established in the fall or early spring and requires adequate moisture during establishment. Once established, it can tolerate moderate grazing but should not be overgrazed. Idaho fescue is also a good candidate for reseeding disturbed sites, such as those impacted by mining or construction activities. Its extensive root system makes it particularly valuable for erosion control and stabilization of disturbed sites.
 
Resources
NRCS Plant Profile: https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=FEID
NRCS Plant Guide: https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_feid.pdf
Additional Resource:  https://apps.itd.idaho.gov/apps/manuals/NativePlants.pdf