Festuca idahoensis

This fescue is a densely clumping long-lived perennial bunch grass with stems from about in height. The stiff, short, rolling leaves are mostly located near the base of the tuft. The inflorescence has hairy spikelets which produce large awned fruits. The root system is thick and penetrates deeply into the soil. The roots have symbiotic mycorrhizae. There are no rhizomes; the plant reproduces from seeds and from budding with tillers. It is similar to, but generally taller and larger than, Poa secunda. ==Ecology==

The species can grow in well-soiled areas along with ponderosa pine.'' It is a popular larval host, supporting Lindsey's skipper, sandhill skipper, Sonora skipper, woodland skipper, and western banded skipper caterpillars. Festuca idahoensis subsp. Roemeri is a preferred host plant of many Castilleja flowers, including the rare Castelleja levisecta. == Cultivation ==

Cultivars, such as "Siskiyou Blue," are produced in the horticulture industry for landscape design and garden use. ==References==