Idaho fescue
Festuca idahoensis
Last reviewed: August 2026
Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis) is a perennial grass native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 more states. It blooms in May and June. The flowers draw wind-pollinated.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 more states
Pollinators
wind-pollinated
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A fine-textured evergreen bunchgrass forming dense blue-green tufts with slender flowering stems held just above the foliage. It is deeply drought-tolerant, needs sharp drainage, and stays neat without shearing.
Growing Idaho fescue
Grow Idaho fescue in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Bunchgrass tussocks provide nesting material and shelter for ground-nesting bees and small birds.
Common questions
- How much sun does Idaho fescue need?
- Idaho fescue grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Idaho fescue bloom?
- Idaho fescue blooms in May and June.
- Where is Idaho fescue native?
- Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Idaho fescue attract?
- Idaho fescue draws wind-pollinated.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Idaho fescue? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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